Load testing of closed section of City Reach boardwalk commences

The State Government is continuing to work through complex tenure issues associated with the management and maintenance of the City Reach boardwalk, as preparations for load testing of a closed section of the boardwalk commenced this week.

Transport Minister John Mickel said today the complexity of the issues involved meant a quick and simple solution was not possible.

“The closure has been longer than anticipated as we have had to steer a careful course between competing priorities of public access, public safety and an appropriate outcome to the legal and land tenure issues involved.”

Mr Mickel said the State Government had been conferring with the body corporate of the Admiralty Quays apartment block adjacent to the boardwalk and other stakeholders over the repair or replacement of the closed section.

“The Port of Brisbane Corporation has been working hard to find the best solution to the issues, liaising with Admiralty Quays body corporate, the Brisbane City Council and a number of State Government departments.

“At the same time, the Port of Brisbane has also been working on a temporary solution to allow the section to be safely reopened while a permanent solution is identified.”

Mr Mickel said the nature and extent of the temporary solution required would be determined by load testing scheduled for Wednesday of next week.

The testing involves placing a gradually-increasing weight load on the boardwalk, and leaving the full load in place for 24 hours. The test will help determine what repairs are required to ensure the safe operation of the boardwalk.

Subject to the outcome of the load testing, it is envisaged that a temporary structure could be placed over the existing deck, which would allow public access in approximately three months.

“While the closure has not been ideal, it has been necessary,” Mr Mickel said. “We won’t be rushing to reopen this section of the boardwalk until all our concerns are addressed.”

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