If you’ve never seen the bridge spanning the Merri Creek at De Chene Reserve, try not to use your imagination and you might just channel the designer. If you’ve managed to keep reading instead of banging your head against a wall, here’s some worse news: you now have a good idea of the proposed design for replacing the suspension bridge at the end of Harding St, Coburg.
The Harding St bridge has a long and complex history involving many struggles, not least of which was the Great Feud of ‘84.
Back in 1925 the first Harding Street Bridge was erected by private investors after the locals were unsuccessful in campaigning the Coburg and Preston Councils to fund it. The suspension bridge was utilised until 1983, when Coburg Council made the decision to demolish the bridge due to growing safety concerns. This caused outrage from the public and it sparked a bitter debate between the locals from the two neighbouring Councils over who should shoulder the costs. Both sides debated the shouldering of costs and the designs fiercely until a truce was struck between the two Councils and a replacement suspension bridge, mostly funded by Coburg Council, was erected.
Now, the suspension bridge that was built during the tumultuous episode in Preston/Coburg relations is being threatened again, and the plan is to replace the ropey, springy path with a structure similar to the bridge at De Chene reserve.
The current suspension bridge was built in 1985 and according to a council engineer is “coming to the end of its life”. Its proposed replacement is a truss bridge, which is apparently easier and cheaper to build and maintain. In addition to age, “the width is insufficient” a council spokesperson said.
What does it mean that the bridge is at the end of its life? The previous bridge, of which the current bridge closely resembles, was in use for almost 60 years. This current bridge has been reliably bouncing people across the creek for only 36 years.
Moreland BUG is understandably in favour of the proposal, which will allow bikes to cross the creek faster, and without the threat of having to dismount. The budget is $3m split between the Darebin and Moreland councils but a council spokesperson said they were hoping to apply for state funding to expedite the process.
While the little bridge is a favourite amongst those who derive joy from jolting strangers as they make their way across the creek, it would surely be missed by even the joltees in the community.
We’re also not sure if the council has a contingency plan for what might ensue. Last time the bridge was torn down, Coburg and Preston went to war.
What are we in for this time?
By SAS
The Coburg Meddler 