Modular bridge barriers from the Bridgerail range by Moddex were installed for the Barr Creek Bridge in Cairns, providing a low maintenance, environment-friendly and compliant balustrading solution.
New public infrastructure such as the Barr Creek Bridge has an intrinsic ability to create stronger community bonds between people, enhance recreation, reduce our environmental footprint, raise environmental awareness, and promote healthier social and economic opportunities.
As part of the Cairns Regional Council’s plan to finalise a vital connection of the Northern Beaches Leisure Trail, Moddex was privileged to be an integral part of the design and supply of modular bridge barriers to the new addition, Barr Creek Bridge.
Contracted by Davbridge Constructions, Moddex worked in sync to supply their modern Bridgerail bridge barriers, which provide guaranteed compliance with AS5100.2 Clause 12.5.
Located in the Cairns Region of Far North Queensland, Barr Creek Bridge is the final segment of the 5km iconic trail, which spans from Palm Cove to Cairn CBD, providing views of the Coral Sea and sweeping along the intricate network of tropical beaches, natural creeks and waterways.
The Barr Creek Bridge will be an important link on the existing shared pathway trail for pedestrians and cyclists, connecting the two beach communities of Machans Beach and Holloways Beach. The bridge design is a low-profile concrete construction, approximately 150 metres long and 3.5 metres wide, with a 20-metre ramp on the Holloways Beach side and a 10-metre ramp on the Machans Beach side.
As it falls within the perimeters of Environmentally Significant Areas, the design and construction of the bridge was guided by strict codes and compliance, with special consideration to mitigate and minimise any potential environmental impacts.
Why was the Moddex product selected?
Notably, the Barr Creek Bridge required customisation of Moddex’s Bridgerail bridge barrier system. In sync with the unique design features of wave shaped posts and customised lighting along the bridge, Moddex adapted their barrier design to provide seamless integration with customised top rails to allow for light installation. As the bridge was not straight, Moddex also applied their engineering and design expertise to account for the large curve, which proved challenging during the design and production phases.
Moddex played an important role providing outstanding end-to-end service, ensuring the balustrade design for the project met the compliance requirements under Australian Standards.
Requiring no maintenance and reducing opportunities for more corrosion, Moddex’s no-weld modular design meant that the construction of the bridge was void of hot works with zero toxic fumes. Another advantage of choosing Moddex’s modular systems for the project is that all components are easily replaceable if damaged throughout the lifetime of the bridge.
Project details:
Location: Barr Creek, Cairns
Client: Cairns Regional Council
Industry: Public Infrastructure/Government
Products Used: Bridgerail Bridge Barriers BR40 and BR45
