The steel-reinforced concrete walkway was driven through Orange early yesterday morning on the back of a low-loader before being installed in  Moulder Park using two cranes.

Orange City Council  infrastructure committee chair Reg Kidd said it was great to have a connection between the Sydney Olympic Games and a sporting precinct in Orange.

“When they were dismantling the Olympic village, council was able to pick up a number of structures like this for only the transport costs,” Cr Kidd said. 

“We’ve used one in the building of the pedestrian overpass bridge over the railway line at East Fork, and it’s terrific another opportunity has opened up.

“Structures like this don’t deteriorate and they’re a great resource.

“They’ve been kept at the works depot in McLachlan Street until they’re needed.”

Cr Kidd said installing the bridge was a delicate operation that entailed the two cranes carefully passing the 38 tonne concrete structure across the creek. 

“One crane lifted one end of the structure and lifted it part-way across the creek,” he said.

“After a second crane moved into position to take that weight, the first crane disconnected and lifted the other end of the bridge. 

“Then both cranes gently lifted the bridge into position across the creek.”

A $100,000 grant from the Roads and Maritime Services cycleways program will be used to install the bridge and connect it with cycle paths, that will eventually connect the park with the hospital precinct in south Orange. 

Another $25,000 grant from the NSW Sport and Recreation Department participation and facility program will be used to install a new climbing frame and giant five-metre high swing alongside the bridge at the skate park.

“The new bridge will make for an easy connection between the skate park side of the creek with the sporting oval, velodrome and toilet facilities on the other side,” Cr Kidd said.

tracey.prisk@

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