ELEANOR SCHONELL BRIDGE REALLY IS GREEN
01 December, 2006
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Although now officially known as the Eleanor Schonell Bridge, the bridge linking Dutton Park and the University of Queensland will remain forever “green”, according to Environment Chair Helen Abrahams.
The bridge construction illustrated not only a commitment to public transport, walking and cycling but dealing sensitively with environmental issues.
“The bridge’s outstanding green credentials include bike lanes, covered pathways, a solar canopy to generate power and ponds to capture rainwater,” Councillor Abrahams said.
“The solar roof in Dutton Park captures the sun’s energy to replace the power used by the bridge to run digital signs and lighting.
“Good design principles are shown in the canopy’s arc shape, which represents leaves in the surrounding trees and boats on the river.”
More than 100 solar panels make up the canopy, which will feed any excess power generated back into the electricity grid. A record of the solar power generated will be available for interested members of the public via touch screens on the bridge.
“In this time of drought, another important feature of the bridge is a pond at each end which can catch rainwater run-off from the bridge deck and filter it through native grasses before it is reused,” Cr Abrahams said.
At the Dutton Park end, a pond is located under the bridge viaduct to catch and recycle water while at the UQ end water from the pond will be piped through to the university duck pond where it will be used to irrigate the grounds.
“I am particularly delighted that native wildlife has been handled sensitively during construction, especially hundreds of native bees which were returned to Dutton Park last month,” Cr Abrahams said.
The two nests of non-stinging bees were found and relocated during construction of the bridge.
Australian native bees typically nest inside hollows in mature trees in Queensland, New South Wales, Northern Territory and Western Australia. Native bees have no sting and are harmless.