For the first time ever, Carrum and Bonbeach residents are now able to drive along Station Street without having to detour onto the Nepean Highway, something locals have been wanting for decades.
The soon to be named bridge was officially opened on Saturday 22 September by the Premier with a community event, months ahead of schedule.
Over 1000 people turned up for the opening day. After a smoking ceremony performed by the Traditional Owners of the Land, the community was invited to run through a banner to be the first to cross the bridge. The local CFA got behind the opening too, with one of their trucks being the first vehicle to drive over.
The opening was followed by a community celebration in Carrum. Locals enjoyed food and entertainment as well as having the opportunity to find out more about the bridge and future level crossing removal works in Carrum, at the newly opened info hub.
The new bridge has 2 lanes for local traffic open now, with a dedicated bike lane and a shared walking and cycling path opening later in the year. Construction and landscaping will continue until early 2019.
The project will provide a safer and more direct connection for locals between Bonbeach and Carrum. It will be an important link for the community during level crossing removal works in Carrum and will minimise disruption to commuters.
Construction of the bridge started in early 2018 when an 18.5m barge was towed 30 nautical miles from Queenscliff. A 250-tonne crane was placed on the barge and has been used for everything from the initial piling work to lifting the final beams onto the bridge.
In total, 32 beams weighing over 30 tonnes each were lifted into place and 700 tonnes of asphalt was put down.
The community strongly advocated for a second road bridge during consultation. Its construction, alongside work in Carrum, will allow for the removal of 3 level crossings at Mascot Avenue, Station Street and Eel Race Road.
The new Station Street bridge is part of the $588 million project, which includes three level crossing removals, the revitalisation of Carrum village and a new beach promenade.
Preliminary works have been completed in Carrum to inform the detailed design and construction methods as the project moves from the planning phase to building.
Construction in and around Carrum and Bonbeach is part of a massive $2 billion investment on the Frankston Line, which includes the removal of 13 level crossings and building 10 new stations.