Bridge aesthetics

2.1 General
a) All structures must present smooth, clean lines and bridges shall have

a minimum structural depth consistent with their spans and method of

construction.
b) The design of bridges shall address the slenderness aspects of the
structure and consider the effects of the parapets and all other
elements of the structure in the determination of the apparent visual
slenderness. Dominant horizontal lines shall be smooth and continuous.
c) Bridge proportions shall represent spanning and supporting
requirements, and shall respond to the context of the individual bridge
localities.
d) Length of spans shall be maximized where practical, within the
context of the necessary bridge length.
e) Bridge structural elements such as piers, headstocks (including
leading edges), sill beams and abutments shall be aesthetically
integrated.
f) The bridge deck, kerb and barriers shall extend beyond the deck units
by a minimum of 100 mm with 19 x 19 mm triangular drip groove to
prevent water staining of the units and for aesthetics.
g) Columns with only two lines of symmetry (that is rectangular or
elliptical) must have the longest edge transverse to the deck structure.
Anti-graffiti coating
a) With the exception of rural areas, the accessible surfaces of all
structures, noise-attenuating structures, walls, barriers, doors,
louvers and other features must be treated with non-sacrificial anti-
graffiti coating in accordance with the following requirements. Anti-
graffiti coating shall not be applied on galvanised steelworks:

i. The anti-graffiti coatings must match the adjacent surface, and the
colour appearance of the structure must not be altered by the
application of the coating.

ii. Treatment of the surfaces must be to a minimum height of 3 m above

the surrounding reinstated ground levels or any accessible footholds.
d)The design of all structures, tunnel linings, noise-attenuating
structures, walls, barriers, doors, louvers and other features must
consider and address the aesthetic impact of anti-graffiti coatings on the
element, the structure and the family of structures.

c) Subject to Transport and Main Roads region requirements, it is

acceptable to use water based paint to conceal graffiti. However, the
paint shall match the colour of the adjacent surface, and appearance of
the structure must not be altered by the application of the coating.
Bridge functional requirements
Traffic capacity
1 Number of lanes
a) In general, the bridge will have the same number of lanes as the
adjacent roadway. Bridges near intersections, or forming part of
interchanges, may require additional lanes to achieve safe design
weaving lengths for adjacent entry and exit lanes.
b) The lane layout shall be determined by the Road Designer prior to
bridge design commencing, and the required lane geometry shall form
part of the Bridge Design Brief.

c) Where future widening of a bridge is planned, and construction of the

additional lanes will be expensive due to high traffic volumes on the
associated roadways, the original design shall consider whether the
widened bridge would be more economically and safely built in the first
stage. The allowance for future widening may include substructure
alone (ready for superstructure erection at a future date) or the
complete structure.
Clearances and shoulder width:
Long bridges
a) The design shall include an assessment of the width required for safe
inspection and maintenance activities while maintaining traffic flow at
reduced speed.
b) Expanding on the requirements in Clause 7.10 Bridges and Clearances
of the Road Planning and Design Manual, the width of all bridges,
including long bridges, shall be increased to include:
• bicycle lanes where they are required on the approach roads, or
• adequate safety for cyclists where they are expected to ride on the
shoulders of the approach roads.
c) The designer’s attention is also drawn to the Road Planning and
Design Manual regarding stopping sight distances.
Spans for overbridges
a) A bridge spanning a major roadway shall provide full
clearance and shoulder widths on the road beneath.
Allowance for the longitudinal drainage, services and
maintenance operations shall be considered and provided
where necessary.

b) Allowance for future widening of the road beneath shall be

included if this is planned or likely in the next 100 years.
Geometry, design speed
a) Special consideration shall be given to any bridge which does not
conform to the design speed of the rest of the road link. Sudden
increase in curvature on a bridge or bridge approaches can
significantly increase the risk of vehicle roll-over that could result in
a vehicle going over the edge of a bridge.
b) If the geometry cannot conform to adjacent speed characteristics
(which may be above posted speed limits), then additional warning
signage and increased bridge barrier capability must be provided.
c) For bridges on interchanges, the design speed shall not be less than
the adjacent through road design speed, less 20 kph. (That is, for a road
with a design speed of 120 kph and posted speed limit of 100 kph, an
interchange bridge shall have a minimum design speed of 100 kph and a
posted speed limit of 80 kph).