We're continuing to improve safety on the state’s roads, with major works as part of the Structures Rehabilitation Package to strengthen the Barry Road Bridge in Broadmeadows now complete.
Five weeks’ of work to repair and strengthen this busy east-west arterial rail crossing wrapped up on Monday 29 August 2022 – around a week ahead of schedule - futureproofing one of the busiest east-west road corridors in Melbourne’s north.
After more than 60 years, the 37 metre bridge structure was due for a much-needed upgrade, with construction crews working around-the-clock to ensure Barry Road can cater for increasingly heavy loads now and into the future.
The bridge, which serves as a vital commuter connection, was closed to traffic for 5 weeks to structurally repair the bridge through a range of measures, including the laying of new concrete overlay fixed with steel rods. Reinforcing these new concrete supports to the existing structure, further strengthens and future proofs the bridge a major transport route for the city’s outer northern communities and freight operators.
The project has increased the road bridge’s maximum load capacity catering for trucks in excess of 85.5 tonnes, bringing it in-line with current heavy vehicle standards and extending its life for future generations.
Built in 1957, the Barry Road Bridge is a crucial link for communities between Pascoe Vale Road and Hume Highway and this upgrade ensures higher capacity freight vehicles can travel over the bridge more safely. An average of 25,000 vehicles, 2000 of them heavy vehicles, cross the Barry Road rail crossing daily.
Road safety treatments such as installing line marking and safety barriers will help prevent run-off road collisions, reducing the risk and severity of crashes.
Finishing works will continue into September, with some temporary lane closures from Friday 9 September to Sunday 11 November to complete the remaining road barrier works.
The upgrade of the Barry Road Bridge is part of the Structures Rehabilitation Package, scheduled to be complete by 2023.