Architect：Iredale pedersen hook architects

Location：Nanga Road, Dwellingup WA, Australia; | ;View Map

Project Year：2023

Category：Bridges

iredale pedersen hook architects with ARUP

The 105m long Dwaarlindjirraap suspension bridge crosses the Murray River close to the Baden Powell camp ground and forms the central element of the Dwellingup Adventure Trails experience (Dwellingup – TrailsWA Projects), a 30km+ dedicated single track mountain bike trail and upgrade of 8km of the existing Munda Biddi Trail.

The bridge is located in a natural setting within a National Park, the Murray River has significant cultural heritage value. The trails project anchors the ongoing development of Dwellingup as a major tourism centre for the region. 

The bridge enables a new experience of the Murray River, an opportunity to engage with the river and the dynamic environment. Movement and exposure to the elements are carefully considered and balanced with requirements for safety and significant visitor numbers with differing accessibility needs.

The Dwaarlindjirraap suspension bridge allows for safe access for cyclists across the Murray River, direct from the car park at Nanga Brook. Prior to the bridge construction, access to the mountain bike trails was from the Dwellingup township, approximately 10km along Nanga Road. 

The bridge deck is 1.8m wide, allowing for higher traffic volumes accommodating crossing cyclists and pedestrians enjoying views of the river, Nanga Pools, the forest and valley beyond. The deck width is also specified to accommodate 2 wheelchair users to pass. 

The bridge has become an integrated local landmark, forming a focal point of the trails project, while also nestling in with its natural surroundings. Weathering steel was selected for the main structural elements with a suspension bridge determined to be the most suitable to provide the lightest structure while allowing a large main span, 85m, to respect cultural heritage requirements, i.e. to avoid any support structures within the river channel. Careful consideration was given to the main towers and bridge balusters to provide structural robustness with form and detailing complementing the natural surroundings. 

It was designed to be cost effective, minimising materials appropriately while balancing this against design life, fire and flood resistance, have low maintenance requirements and simple constructability. The aim of this was to reduce material quantities and costs while providing a resilient bridge suitable for the bridge location and anticipated users.

Materials were selected based on their durability and capacity to be recycled. Weathering steel is uncoated and therefore there are no ongoing VOC emissions post installation or annual maintenance.

Designs were developed to create repetition and to minimise material waste. Extreme repetition enabled innovation and cost effectiveness.

Primary bridge forms enabled minimal interference to existing flora and fauna while respecting the river edge and sites of cultural significance.

Positive social and economic outcomes for locals and visitors alike are central to the whole trails project. The completed bridge and the overall trails project have been received extremely positively and was pivotal in Dwellingup winning the Australian Tourism Awards, Top Tiny Tourist Town 2023. 

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