The world’s largest footbridge i.e. the $63.3 million Kurilpa Bridge or the Tank Street Bridge has been officially unveiled in Brisbane, Queensland. Having 84 solar panels to power its LED lighting up to 75% normally and 100% in most lighting configurations, an average daily output of 100kWh and an average yearly output of 38MWh could be realized. Surplus electricity generated by the solar array will be returned to the main grid.
The LEDs will produce a variety of lighting effects and thus, will blaze during Brisbane’s annual Riverfire celebrations. Among its other features, the 470 meter long, 6.5 meter wide bridge flaunts tensegrity i.e. a synergy between balanced tension and compression components. The construction is a technological and civil engineering achievement by Baulderstone Hornibrook Queensland Pty Ltd and ARUP Engineers since the overpass seems to be flowing over the river to pedestrians. Being an outgrowth of the City Centre Master Plan 2006, it will now allow around 50,000 people to walk and cycle between the CBD and the South Bank each week.
Image Credit: ArchDaily
Via: EnergyMatters/Ecofriend