Work to replace or strengthen 11 bridges and culverts is set to get underway, ensuring some of Melbourne’s most important routes continue to provide safe traffic access for years to come.
The contract to deliver the Structures Rehabilitation Package (North and South East) has been awarded to Decmil, as part of vital upgrades of bridge infrastructure.
The bridges to be upgraded include:
- Barry Road over Craigieburn rail line near Coolaroo
- Donnybrook Road near Donnybrook
- Plenty Road over Barbers Creek at Yan Yean
- Plenty Road over Mernda Drain at Mernda
- Wallan Road over Scrubby Creek near Whittlesea
- Whittlesea-Yea Road near Whittlesea
- South Gippsland Highway over Bunyip River near Tooradin
- South Gippsland Highway over Eumemmerring Creek at Dandenong South
- South Gippsland Highway over Hallam Main Drain at Dandenong South
- South Gippsland Highway over Moodys Inlet near Tooradin
- South Gippsland Highway over Muddy Gates Creek near Tooradin.
On the busy South Gippsland Highway a total of 5 water crossings will be upgraded, with these works to increase their lifespans and tonnage capacity. Among these include the bridge across Muddy Gates Creek at Tooradin, which carries around 10,000 motorists each day.
In some instances, these upgrades will also allow trucks to carry heavier loads, improving efficiency and reducing supply chain costs while also contributing to a strong economy.
Construction of a new culvert bridge on Donnybrook Road near Doreen will also begin, to ensure a key link in Melbourne’s burgeoning outer north remains safe and accessible.
When complete, the structure will include new safety barriers and line marking to improve safety.
The project forms part of a $2.27B Suburban Roads Upgrade – South Eastern Roads and Northern Roads package - a joint investment by the Australian and Victorian governments to benefit both the local community and economy. The Australian and Victorian governments are contributing $1.1B each for the package.
The Structures Rehabilitation Package will be completed by 2023.