Construction of the new 16 metre bridge at Plenty Road in Mernda has been completed 2 weeks ahead of schedule, in time for the start of next month’s iconic Whittlesea Show.
Crews worked around-the-clock over the past month to lay 6 precast re-enforced concrete planks above the Barbers Creek, and install 60 piles to construct the off-structure barriers. These piles are providing a strong foundation for the new bridge’s safety barriers.
The new bridge will more than double the load capacity of the bridge to suit heavy freight vehicles, such as a 85.5 tonne A-Double Truck.
As part of the Structures Rehabilitation Package, the new two-lane Plenty Road bridge has been constructed to future proof a key north-south link between Melbourne’s growing outer northern suburbs and the wider Whittlesea region.
The Structures Rehabilitation Package is reducing waste, with unused asphalt diverted to the Whittlesea Agriculture Society to resurface footpaths and tracks around the Showgrounds and parking area.
The Australian and Victorian Governments are also investing in ten other bridges and culvert structures around metropolitan Melbourne, with the Structures Rehabilitation Package funding for works at Yan Yean, Woodstock, Mernda, Dandenong South and Tooradin.
Bridge upgrade works are being delivered throughout metropolitan Melbourne to ensure all road users including heavy vehicles are being catered for across our ever-changing transport network.
Decmil is delivering the Structures Rehabilitation Package, in partnership with Major Road Projects Victoria.
The Structures Rehabilitation Package will be completed by 2023.