Schuster’s Bridge Remedial Works, Tallebudgera

The steel girders and abutments under Schuster's Bridge still had years of life in them, while the deck, balustrade, handrail and approaches had run out. City of Gold Coast kept the load carrying steel and renewed everything above it. Walkers cross Tallebudgera Creek on the same girders, with a new FRP deck, balustrade and handrail and rebuilt approaches.

Taking a bridge apart while it stays standing is harder than replacing it. The deck and joists brace the girders. Every component came off in a certified sequence, and the bridge was jacked to rebuild abutment A and its wing walls. The creek is tidal and navigable. Boats kept their passage underneath while the path was closed for as short a time as possible. The FRP deck added little load to the retained girders and went on without hot works over the water.