Walter Taylor Bridge essential maintenance – Chelmer to Indooroopilly
As part of Brisbane City Council’s maintenance program, we are undertaking essential road resurfacing, concrete repairs and other general maintenance to the Walter Taylor Bridge. These specialised works are required about every 10 years to maintain the bridge structure and ensure safe access.
Summary
Address | Walter Taylor Bridge, Chelmer and Indooroopilly |
|---|---|
Ward | Walter Taylor Ward and Tennyson Ward |
Project outcomes | Maintain structure and safe access for all bridge users |
Latest update | Start of construction |
About the project
Constructed in 1936, the heritage-listed Walter Taylor Bridge provides a critical transport link across the Brisbane River, between Honour Avenue, Chelmer, and Coonan Street, Indooroopilly, for over 35,000 bridge users per day.
Works include:
- full removal and replacement of road asphalt, linemarking
- bridge deck concrete repairs, including replacement of deck joints, waterproofing
- steel node maintenance, including painting
- use of equipment and machinery, including scaffolding, lighting towers, excavators and hand-held equipment power tools including jackhammers and saw cutters.
Work hours
Project works, including the temporary full bridge closure, is scheduled to occur continuously, 24 hours per day, from 9pm Friday 13 September to 5am Monday 30 September 2024, weather and maintenance conditions permitting.
Prior to the full bridge closure, some preliminary works will occur from late August 2024 to Friday 13 September 2024. Most works are required to occur at night, from 9pm to 5am, Sunday to Thursday, with a single lane closure and on-site traffic management. Works include bridge node scaffold installation and saw cutting to sections of the road surface. Some day works will also occur away from traffic, between 7am and 4pm.
What the community can expect
To complete the project as quickly and safely as possible, the following temporary traffic changes are required, with alternative access provided:
Footpath closures
Some footpath closures will occur, up to project completion. The bridge footpath will initially close from late August 2024, followed by the footpath underneath the bridge, in Wharf Street, from 9pm Friday 13 September 2024. During this time, alternative pedestrian and cyclist shared path access is via nearby Jack Pesch Bridge and Indooroopilly Riverwalk.
Road and bus stop closures
During the bridge temporary full closure, some nearby roads, streets, and bus stops will be closed, with alternative access provided.
The designated road detour route for motorists from Chelmer to Indooroopilly (and vice versa) will be via Oxley Road, Seventeen Mile Rocks Road and Centenary Highway.
Local road closures
Chelmer:
- Wharf Street (between Rosebury Terrace and Honour Avenue)
- Honour Avenue (northbound onwards from Bridge Street).
Indooroopilly:
- Coonan Street (southbound onwards from Westminster Road)
- Riverview Terrace (left-turn and right-turn access from Coonan Street, northbound). Nearby Radnor Street (both directions) will remain open.
All other access, including all property and driveway access for local residents and businesses, will remain open.
Road users, plan your journey in advance via the QLDTraffic app, visit QLDTraffic.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.
Download the Road detour map - Walter Taylor Bridge resurfacing works (Word - 517kb).
Emergency Services access
During the temporary full closure of the Walter Taylor Bridge, emergency service vehicles will not be able to access the bridge including when responding to incidents.
However, emergency vehicles weighing 6 tonne and 2 metres in width, or less, responding to incidents with flashing lights on only can access nearby Jack Pesch Bridge during the temporary full closure of Walter Taylor Bridge. To ensure safety of all bridge users, on-site traffic control will escort the emergency vehicle across the bridge.
Changes to Translink bus routes 598 and 599 (Great Circle Line), 105, 106 and 108, including some bus stop closures, will occur. Temporary bus stop closure information, including the alternate bus stop open nearby, will be displayed at the relevant bus stops. Bus users, plan your journey in advance via the Translink app, visit translink.com.au or call Translink on 13 12 30.
Please expect delays and allow extra travel time.
On-site police, traffic control and signage will be in place to direct motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists of changed traffic conditions where required. Please follow all signs and directions for safety.
Construction impacts
Nearby residents and pedestrian users will experience increased intermittent noise, lighting, dust and vehicle movements in the area. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this work may cause. Thank you for your patience and cooperation while these important works are completed.
Frequently asked questions
Background
Project background
The Walter Taylor Bridge is an iconic heritage-listed structure that requires ongoing maintenance to ensure people can continue to use it for decades to come.
The bridge was originally constructed with a timber deck; however, the timber was replaced with a pre-cast lightweight concrete deck and asphalt in 1993 under a full 17-day bridge closure.
Following ongoing proactive inspections and maintenance, the existing layer of road asphalt and bridge deck joints must be replaced to ensure the integrity of the bridge for years to come.
The complexity of these works means the bridge cannot be used during this period as vibrations could jeopardise the final structural integrity.
When was the Walter Taylor Bridge built?
The Walter Taylor Bridge, Chelmer and Indooroopilly, was built in 1936. It is 88 years old.
Was the Walter Taylor Bridge originally constructed with a timber deck?
| Yes. Walter Taylor Bridge was originally constructed with a timber deck. However, due to the deterioration of the timber it was replaced with a grid of pre-cast lightweight concrete deck slabs and asphalt in 1993. |
What’s important about Walter Taylor Bridge?
The heritage-listed Walter Taylor Bridge provides a critical transport link across the Brisbane River to the inner-western suburbs including Rocklea, Oxley, Corinda, Sherwood and Chelmer to Indooroopilly, St Lucia, Taringa and Chapel Hill. It is also a key route to Indooroopilly Shopping Centre.
How many vehicles use the Walter Taylor Bridge each day?
The heritage-listed Walter Taylor Bridge provides a critical transport link across the Brisbane River, Chelmer and Indooroopilly, connecting over 30,000 daily bridge users.
Why are these bridge maintenance works needed?
Following ongoing proactive inspections and maintenance to the Walter Taylor Bridge, the existing layer of road asphalt and bridge deck joints must be replaced, and waterproofing added to tops of deck slabs to ensure the integrity of the bridge is maintained for years to come and safe access for all bridge users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Is the bridge safe to use?
Yes, Council’s ongoing bridge maintenance program will ensure the Walter Taylor Bridge can continue to be used for many years to come.
These planned works are part of a routine maintenance program. Similar works and closures have previously occurred including:
- a full closure for 17 days in 1993
- a full closure for 2 days-at-a-time and night works spanning 5 months in 2013
- a full closure for 4 consecutive nights in May 2024.
Why are you doing these works now?
These works have been scheduled to coincide with a quieter period of traffic during the September school holidays and a trial of cheaper public transport fares.
Why can't these works occur in January?
Summer storms risk prolonging these works and causing further disruption to local residents and businesses which is a key reason these works haven’t been scheduled during January.
How will this type of work maintain the Walter Taylor Bridge?
These works will assist with protecting both the concrete bridge deck and structural members under the bridge.
How often is a full bridge closure of this duration required to undertake this type of maintenance work?
Works of this extent are required approximately every 10 years.
Project scope
What maintenance works are being undertaken during this closure?
A temporary full closure of the Walter Taylor Bridge, Chelmer, and Indooroopilly, is required to undertake critical works including:
- removal and replacement of existing road asphalt
- bridge deck repairs, including installation of new joints and water proofing.
Some general maintenance, including bridge node, concrete repairs and cyclic maintenance will also be undertaken during the closure.
Why do these works require a 2-week full closure?
The nature of these works means the bridge cannot be used during this period as vibrations caused by vehicles could compromise the work being undertaken on the joints.
Will any general maintenance works be completed as part of this project?
Yes. As part of the project, some general maintenance works will be undertaken at this time including bridge node (Chelmer side) concrete repairs and cyclic maintenance.
What are the nodes on the bridge?
The bridge nodes are steel plate and bolt connections that connect the bridge suspension cables to vertical steel plates that support the bridge deck.
What is a bridge joint?
A bridge joint is the gap between deck slabs that has a flexible sealant in it to allow the bridge to expand and contract.
Are any preliminary works required?
Yes. Preliminary works on Walter Taylor Bridge include scaffold installation and saw cutting to sections of the road surface to prepare for the road resurfacing works.
Project timing
When are preliminary works expected to start and finish?
Preliminary works will occur from 26 August 2024 up to the full bridge closure on 13 September 2024, weather and construction conditions permitting. Preliminary work hours are 9pm to 5am, Sunday to Friday, with a single lane closure during night works with traffic control and signage in place. There will be intermittent day works on the footpath from 6:30am to 4pm.The bridge footpath will be closed from 26 August to 30 September 2024.
When are the project works expected to start and finish?
Project works, including the full closure of Walter Taylor Bridge, will commence from 9pm Friday, 13 September 2024 and are expected to be completed by 5am Monday, 30 September 2024.
These works are expected to occur continuously, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, during the project weather and maintenance conditions permitting. The bridge will be reopened at 5am Monday, 30 September 2024.
Why is the project occurring at this time?
Traffic volumes and weather during the September School Holiday period provides the optimal opportunity for these works to take place while minimising impacts on the local community. This period also avoids conflicts with Indooroopilly Shopping Centre’s peak shopping season and anticipated train track closures for Cross River Rail.
Has there been a full closure of the Story Bridge in recent years?
On the Story Bridge, in 2018, Council resurfaced and water-proofed approximately 76 metres of roadway slabs due to water seepage issues and replaced seals in bridge joints across the bridge. On the Walter Taylor Bridge, the deck has over 500 metres of joints due to the high number of small deck slabs it is constructed with. The asphalt wearing surface works on Walter Taylor Bridge are for the full length of bridge (269 metres). The WTB asphalt is thinner than Story Bridge asphalt and so requires significantly more time and effort to remove as compared with the thicker Story Bridge wearing surface.
Why are these works on the Walter Taylor Bridge different to previous works on the Story Bridge?
On the Story Bridge, in 2018, Council resurfaced and water-proofed approximately 76 metres of roadway slabs due to water seepage issues and replaced seals in bridge joints across the bridge. On the Walter Taylor Bridge, the deck has over 500 metres of joints due to the high number of small deck slabs it is constructed with. The asphalt wearing surface works on Walter Taylor Bridge are for the full length of bridge (269 metres). The WTB asphalt is thinner than Story Bridge asphalt and so requires significantly more time and effort to remove as compared with the thicker Story Bridge wearing surface.
Project impacts
What type of equipment and machinery is being used for these works?
Heavy equipment and machinery including, excavators, bobcats, scaffolding, lighting towers, and tools such as jack hammers and grinders are required to complete the project.
Can I expect any traffic changes during the project?
Yes. Due to the nature of these works, to complete the project as quickly and safely as possible temporary traffic changes are required. Detailed traffic management plans have been developed to support the project, including the temporary full closure of Walter Taylor Bridge.
How can I access the other side of the river during the bridge closure?
We recognise this closure will impact people who regularly cross the river over the Walter Taylor Bridge and appreciate your patience while these essential works are underway.
Trains will continue to operate across the adjacent rail bridge, and signage and traffic controllers will be in place with information on the detour available via Oxley Road, Seventeen Mile Rocks Road and the Centenary Motorway.
Will any traffic control and signage be on site to help during these traffic changes?
Yes. On-site Queensland Police Service (QPS), traffic control, and signage, including variable message boards (VMS), will be in place to direct motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists of the changed traffic conditions throughout the project work area. Please follow all directions on site for safety.
Does the temporary full closure of Water Taylor Bridge extend into any streets?
Yes. The temporary full closure of Walter Taylor Bridge extends into Wharf Street and Regatta Street, Chelmer.
What alternative detour route can motorists use during the temporary closure of Walter Taylor Bridge?
During the bridge closure of Walter Taylor Bridge, both inbound and outbound motorists can follow the detour route via Oxley Road, Seventeen Mile Rocks Road, and the Centenary Highway.
If you are planning to travel near or across the Walter Taylor Bridge, we encourage you to please consider your travel options and allow for extra travel time. For bus travel, plan your journey in advance via the Translink website or app or call Translink on 13 12 30. For road users, plan your journey via the QLDTraffic app or visit the QLDTraffic website or call 13 19 40.
Will the footpath on the bridge remain open for pedestrians and cyclists during the preliminary works?
No. The bridge’s footpath will be closed from Monday 26 August and will reopen 5am, Monday 30 September 2024.
The footpath underneath the bridge on Wharf Street, Chelmer will be closed from 9pm, Friday 13 September 2024 and will reopen 5am Monday, 30 September 2024.
What alternative detour access route can pedestrians and cyclists use during the bridge closure?
For the duration of the project, alternative access for pedestrians and cyclists is via the Jack Pesch Bridge (pedestrian and cyclists bridge) adjacent to Walter Taylor Bridge.
Will surrounding roads be temporarily closed during project works?
Yes. To allow these essential works to be completed as quickly and safely as possible, the following bus stops within the project area will be temporarily closed from 9pm Friday 13 September to 5am Monday 30 September 2024:
Chelmer
- Regatta Street (Wharf Street exit to Walter Taylor Bridge)
- Honour Avenue (from Bridge Street)
- Wharf Street (from Rosebery Terrace)
Indooroopilly
- Coonan Street (southbound from Westminster onwards)
- Riverview Terrace (partial closure southbound turning lane. Inbound Coonan Street access maintained)
I live within the project work area. Will property and driveway access remain open during the project?
Yes. All property and driveway access will be maintained for the duration of the project. However, should any changes be required we will notify the relevant property owner/s.
Will there be impacts to public transport?
Trains will still be able to access the adjacent rail bridge, however, the 105,106, 108, 598 and 599 bus services will not be able to access Walter Taylor Bridge during these works.
We encourage you to check Translink’s website for real time public transport route information.
Will any bus stops be temporarily closed during the project?
Yes. To allow these essential works to be completed as quickly and safely as possible, there will be bus stops closures within the project area from 9pm Friday 13 September to 5am Monday 30 September 2024.
We encourage you to please consider your travel options and allow for extra travel time. Plan your journey in advance via the Translink website or app or call Translink on 13 12 30.
Where can I view the temporary road and path user detour route maps for the project?
View the temporary road and path user detour route maps on this page.
What arrangements are in place for emergency vehicles?
Council has liaised with emergency services to ensure they can continue to effectively respond to emergencies during these works.
Emergency vehicles less than six tonnes and under two metres wide can be escorted across nearby Jack Pesch Bridge during these works.
Traffic control will be in place to direct pedestrians and cyclists before emergency vehicles use the bridge and will direct emergency vehicles across the bridge.
Will the Indooroopilly Riverwalk be affected by these works?
The riverwalk will remain open throughout the duration of the project with intermittent stop/go arrangements in place, including traffic control and signage.
Should I expect any noise impacts during these works?
Nearby residents and businesses, and path users, will experience some temporary impacts during the works including increased intermittent noise, dust, lighting, and vehicle movements in the area. We will attempt to complete the noisier works during the day where possible.
Council thanks and values the community’s cooperation during these critical works on the Walter Taylor Bridge.
Will a site compound be set up for the project?
From 10 September 2024, a temporary site compound will be established at the at the Southern Tower Base, Wharf Street, away from traffic.
Project updates, enquries and complaints
Who can I contact for more project information?
If you have any questions about the project, you can:
- visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search for ‘Walter Taylor Bridge temporary full closure’.
- phone the project team on 07 3178 0093 (during business hours)
- phone Council on 07 3403 8888 (after business hours)
- email the project team
- write to:
City Standards
Brisbane City Council
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane QLD 4001.
Will I be kept updated about these works?
Council will continue to keep nearby residents and businesses, road and path users updated about the project where required, including via letterbox drop (i.e. works notice), and on-site signage. You can also visit this page for up-to-date information.
More information
For more information about the Walter Taylor Bridge temporary full closure, you can:
- phone the project team on 3178 0093 (during business hours)
- phone Council on 07 3403 8888
- email the project team