Major overhaul to give Merivale Bridge new lease of life

The iconic Merivale Bridge connecting South Brisbane to Roma Street station is set for its first major overhaul since the critical infrastructure rail link opened in 1978, almost 40 years ago.

The landmark bridge will be refurbished to extend its life and ensure the critical infrastructure link, connecting Brisbane’s southern suburbs to the CBD, can be maintained into the future.

“The Merivale Bridge is one of Brisbane’s most recognised structures, spanning 130 metres across the Brisbane River from Roma Street to South Brisbane and it is the only rail link between the city’s north and south,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The bridge is a vital inner city link for South East Queensland’s rail network and moves thousands of commuter from Brisbane’s southern suburbs to the city every day with more than 420 trains running across the bridge each week day.

“Brisbane locals who love the bridge design can be assured the overhaul is only about replacing and upgrading the structure, not changing the look of the bridge or the design with the shallow steel-frame structure and suspended steel wire remaining a feature.”

Mr Hinchliffe said the important works would ensure Brisbane’s inner city network remains safe and reliable into the future.

“This overhaul is about future-proofing the rail structure and will involve works to prolong the life of the bridge’s steel components including decks, cables and arches,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“As part of this project, the bridge’s current wooden sleepers, which have been required to be replaced every 10 – 20 years, will also be replaced with new, composite sleepers which can last up to 50 years.

“This particular type of sleeper has been used on Japanese and European railway bridges for the past 15 years, and their durability significantly reduces the time required to be spent on maintenance.

“Crews will also take the time to undertake extensive cleaning and painting to maintain and extend the life of the bridge’s steel components – the first time the bridge has been repainted.

“A permanent gantry, stair access and a walk way will also be constructed on the bridge, to provide Queensland Rail with improved access for future maintenance.”

Mr Hinchliffe said in order for the project to be completed safely, scaffolding had been delivered to site via a barge and temporarily erected around the bridge this week.

“Residents will notice a barge has been floated down the Brisbane River to so the overhaul can be completed safely and scaffolding can be erected around the bridge,” he said.

“This scaffolding will not only make sure crews are safe, but will also ensure there is no impact to the Brisbane River throughout the works.”

The Merivale Rail Bridge will remain operational, without disruptions to train services for the majority of the project. Some scheduled track closures will be required, however customers will be informed ahead of time and rail services will continue.

The project is expected to be completed by May 2018.

For more information, visit queenslandrail.com.au or call 13 16 17.

Overlay (vision of the barge and grabs): Link

Vision of the construction of the Merivale Bridge in the late 1970s:

Part 1: Link 

Part 2: Link  

Media contact: Jessica Hill 0475 950 772