Since early 2021, EDC has been involved in the structural design of a couple of steel truss bridges for the Mt Somers Walkway Society. These bridges are situated along a new Sharplin Falls walking track at the base of Mt Somers, which is scheduled to open mid-2023.
The first bridge, downstream, is approached from both ends via a steel walkway/landing approximately 5m long. The main truss bridge is 28.8m long and is supported on two steel frames.
The second bridge, upstream, is accessed via a 5m high timber staircase. A short secondary timber bridge spans between the stairs and the main bridge, which is also 28.8m long and ends on a concrete abutment anchored into the rock face.
Once you have crossed the second bridge, it is a short walk up to the Sharplin Falls viewing platform, which is still under construction.
The upstream bridge installation took place on the 18th January 2023. Scaffolding, spanning the entire bridge length, was constructed to temporarily support the bridge during assembly. An Iroquois (Huey) helicopter was used to airlift the bridge into place, with the trussed structure split into four sections.
The downstream bridge installation is expected to take place during the week of the 23rd January 2023 once the scaffolding construction has been completed.
EDC are immensely proud to be associated with this project and are grateful to Charles Ross and the Mt Somers Walkway Society for their hard work in fundraising and now constructing this amazing new track.
