Teleo was engaged by Hazell Bros to design supply and install two pedestrian bridges as a part of the construction of the 16.3km Lismore to Bentley Rail Trail, itself a part of the greater Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

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The Lismore to Bentley section of the trail included the restoration and repair of 20 bridges, as well as the installation of bypasses for structures that were beyond repair or required preservation.

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Teleo’s package of works in this project involved the design of two bridges which sat alongside and below the larger but irreparable structures. The clean and minimal designs of the replacement bridges allowed the grace and majesty of the original structures to remain at the forefront of the local community’s fondness and respect for their place in history, whilst acknowledging their need for replacement.

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Bridge 7 is the larger of Teleo’s designs, a steel structure spanning 27m which was delivered to site in 3 modules. These were then bolted to concrete abutments and supported on steel piles, with FRP decking mounted to create a low-slip and low-maintenance finished product, suitable for pedestrians, cyclists and horses alike. 

 

Handrails were bolted to angled staunchions in accordance with Council’s desired aesthetic, with the end result being a sleek yet sturdy river crossing, designed for inundation when flooding in the local area occurs. The curve of the approach paths in and around the existing steel and concrete supports adds whimsy to offset the rigid nature of the original and rusted out original bridge.

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Bridge 10 is a smaller design, spanning 9m below a smaller existing truss structure, with the steel and concrete of the replacement mirroring the greyed aesthetic of the weathered timber of the original. 

The low-lying replacement nestles into the dip of the approach paths, offering a simple waterway crossing in a picturesque setting.

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Manufacture of the bridges was completed using regional fabricators, with installation using a local crane company.