A new landscaped bridge connecting to the heart of Watsonia is beginning to take shape as part of North East Link.
This week the first of more than 50 Super-T concrete beams were lifted into place alongside Greensborough Highway at Watsonia - kicking off construction on the first of 2 new landscaped bridges that will connect locals to shops, Watsonia Station and an upgraded station car park.
The massive pre-fabricated bridge components are locally produced at Westkon Precast at Cobblebank, supporting local jobs.
An 800-tonne crane is required to lift each of the bridge beams, that weigh up 97 tonnes and are between 28 to 35 metres in length.
When all 56 bridge beams are lifted into place, construction crews will turn their attention to building the bridge deck, before excavating dirt and rock beneath to build the road lanes connecting the M80 Ring Road to the North East Link tunnels – that will take 19,000 cars and trucks a day off Greensborough Road.
When complete, the Watsonia Road landscaped bridge will be 60 metres wide, with wide walking and cycling paths along both sides and a green gateway to Watsonia Shops. A second landscaped bridge will also be built at Elder Street.