Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury has announced that the former ‘red bridge’ of Belconnen has been given a new coat of paint and a new lease on life and is now open to the public across the Molonglo River.
“The new Molonglo Reach pedestrian bridge, now painted grey, provides convenient and safe access across the Molonglo River for cyclists and pedestrians travelling around the east basin of Lake Burley Griffin or between the City and the airport precinct,” Mr Rattenbury said.
Mr Rattenburry pointed out that the new ‘grey bridge’ replaces the shared path that was damaged by floods in March 2012. The former Belconnen icon was dismantled into six sections and over the last four weeks was progressively installed.
Rattenbury went on to explain that work to build the new pedestrian bridge has been carefully planned to ensure works do not impede on the recreational use of the lake and river as well as to protect river habitat.
“During construction, particular care has been taken to ensure the local flora and fauna species have been protected, including, a number of burrows which are home to a group of platypuses” Mr Rattenbury said.