We're building a new bridge at Heyington Avenue for a safer walking and cycling connection across the Eastern Freeway.

We’ve started preparing our work areas at Stanton Street Reserve and the Valda Wetlands to begin major works on the new walking and cycling bridge at Heyington Avenue.

The new bridge will be straightened and widened, featuring improved pavements and landscaping to create a better experience for cyclists and pedestrians.

Due to the complex design of the bridge and a lack of space on the northern side of the freeway, we'll need to dismantle the existing bridge before the new one can be installed in the same location.

Stages

We’ve broken down the works into stages to explain how we’ll remove the old bridge and build the new bridge.

Stage 1 – Build foundations at Valda Wetlands

To create the foundations for the bridge within the Valda Wetlands, we’ll use a technique called bored piling. A pile is formed by drilling a deep hole into the ground, followed by installing a steel reinforcement cage, with the hole then being filled with concrete. After all the piles are complete, a concrete beam (known as a pile cap) is poured to connect them all, allowing for the bridge pier to be built on top of it.

Stage 2 – Preparation at Stanton Street Reserve

Prior to starting works on the northern side of the freeway, we'll install temporary fencing along Stanton Street Reserve to establish a safe working space. We'll remove some noise wall panels, install small piles, excavate and pour concrete to form the new northern bridge abutment - the structure at the end of the bridge that supports the bridge span.

Stage 3 – Demolition of ramp and beam install

We'll demolish the existing ramp to Heyington Bridge, to allow us to easily access the work site around the new bridge's foundations. Once we have built foundations within the large Valda Wetlands, we’ll install concrete T-shaped beams to form the new walking and cycling ramps. These structures will arrive via the freeway and will be installed overnight by a crane due to their size and proximity to live freeway traffic.

Stage 4 - Bridge structure works at Valda Wetlands

We’ll then start to assemble the new bridge structure within our worksite at the Valda Wetlands which will involve the construction of bridge arches, safety screens and handrails.

Stage 5 - Demolition of the old bridge and installation of the new bridge

We'll close the freeway for a weekend in late August 2025, and work 24/7 to dismantle the old bridge and install the new bridge sections. Detours will be in place for motorists over this weekend. Further information about the disruptions to the freeway will be provided to the community soon.

Stage 6 - Finishing works and bridge opening

We’ll install the new Heyington bridge structure overnight. We’ll carry out concrete pours and steel fixing to complete the final stages of the bridge deck before it opens. We'll occasionally close sections of the freeway, mostly at night, to keep passing traffic safe during some construction activities.

How we’ll manage impacts

Our project is managed in line with strict Environmental Performance Requirements (EPRs). You can expect medium to high levels of noise, dust and vibration while we work. We’ll monitor and assess these impacts using real-time technology and have a range of on-site measures in place.

When we’ll be working

We'll carry out most of our works during the day, although some extended hours and night works may be required. We’ll let you know ahead of time if we need to work at night.

Map - pedestrian and cyclist detour