Webnet mesh screens from Tensile have been installed on the Albert ‘Tibby’ Cotter pedestrian bridge to provide fall protection to both pedestrians and cyclists.
Designed as a shared pedestrian and cycle pathway in Moore Park, Sydney, the Albert ‘Tibby’ Cotter pedestrian bridge provides a safe route for people to cross one of Sydney’s widest arterial roads, Anzac Parade, and travel from Central Station to the popular sporting and entertainment precinct at Moore Park.
The bridge is named after Albert ‘Tibby’ Cotter, an Australian test cricketer killed in action during WWI. The construction of the bridge needed to be completed in just 14 months to open in time for the first match of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. Designed to minimise environmental impact, the 6m wide bridge encourages pedestrian and cycling activity while complementing the landscape. The bridge’s complex geometrical design was a result of collaboration between the architect Hassell and engineer Arups.
Tensile designed and constructed the mesh throw screens installed on the side of the bridge to function as effective fall protection systems. The safety barriers were created in a unique pattern to represent the local parklands and fig trees. Though the bridge may look simplistic in design, Tensile undertook extensive modelling to complete the mesh shapes.
Tensile’s Webnet mesh has the unique ability to be sculpted to conform to just about any complex geometrical pattern. The mesh combines a highly functional role as an effective fall protection system in safety applications with a beautiful aesthetic. Additionally, the light and almost transparent mesh conceals incredible strength.
Installing the mesh in the busy Anzac Parade area with minimal interruption to the public presented a challenge. Tensile devised a method with the builders of the bridge, Lend Lease, which enabled 80-90% of the mesh to be installed off-site and then lifted into position at the location.
