In a significant triumph, we successfully completed the restoration of the New Farm Riverwalk Swing Bridge, situated on the east bank of the Brisbane River. This iconic location, offering great views of the Story Bridge, has long been a beloved spot for residents and visitors alike, providing a scenic pathway along the river.
The swing bridge, a crucial component allowing boating docking access to residents’ properties behind the riverwalk structure, had faced multiple challenges due to several floods over the years. Our team was actively involved in the repairs, particularly addressing the flood damage to the electrical controls and lighting for the bridge and its adjacent pathway.
Having been engaged in the maintenance and minor repairs of the bridge system and controls prior to the latest project, ACE brought invaluable prior knowledge to the table. This prior experience allowed the ACE team to swiftly and efficiently assess various issues requiring attention, ensuring a seamless restoration process.
The primary focus of this recent project was the repair of flood-damaged electrical controls, aiming to restore the bridge’s movement to operational status. The successful completion of this task was a significant achievement for ACE, providing the Brisbane City Council with a fully operational system once again.
The ACE team, equipped with access to the site and their previous knowledge, identified and addressed several critical issues during the repair process. The electrical system underwent a thorough assessment, leading to the testing of preexisting cables and feeds. The repair work included stripping out several control panels to address water-damaged control gear, followed by the rebuilding process using like-for-like equipment design.
Key components of the project included:
– Main Controls Room (East Control at MDP): Although not subject to flooding, connected equipment suffered water damage, requiring replacement and rebuilding of the control panel.
– Bridge Main Turret Panel: Submerged controls necessitated the replacement of hydraulic pump motors, electrical control panels, sensors, and conduit/cabling systems.
– West Control Station and Operator’s Location: Submerged controls were repaired or rebuilt, including the electrical control panel, sensors, conduit, and cabling systems.
– Gate Control System at Either End of Swing Structure: Various submerged controls, including electrical control panels, sensors, gate actuators, locking pin actuators, conduit, and cabling systems, were assessed, repaired, or rebuilt.
– Under Bridge Hydraulics and Main Control Sensors: Submerged controls were addressed in electrical junction boxes, sensors, traffic light signals, conduit, and cabling systems.
All systems were meticulously repaired, returning to their original specifications and tested to the appropriate standards. Following the commissioning process and the successful restoration of operational status, ACE Materials Handling provided comprehensive training for the client to support and assist with the system’s operation.
Remarkably, all the work was carried out in full view of the public without any major obstructions to their thoroughfare and safety, aligning with ACE’s zero-incident policy. The team executed the project with the professionalism expected by ACE, maintaining a high standard of work and presentation throughout the process. This successful restoration stands as a testament to ACE Materials Handling’s expertise and commitment to delivering top-tier solutions in materials handling and infrastructure repair.
