A donation of rocks and logs from the Ison Road Overpass project will enhance a new Asian elephant habitat at Werribee Open Range Zoo as part of the Victorian Government’s $88 million expansion project.
The project team donated the materials after clearing them to build the overpass, which will help provide Wyndham West's community with a vital link to the Princes Freeway.
The donation supports our commitment to reusing natural resources within project communities wherever possible.
The project team trucked to Werribee Open Range Zoo about 505 tonnes of rocks and logs, equivalent in weight to nearly 100 male Asian elephants.
The purpose-built Elephant Trail will comprise a 21-hectare open range habitat to accommodate Zoos Victoria’s growing Asian elephant herd following its relocation from Melbourne Zoo in late 2024. The donated rocks and logs will help add natural features to the habitat’s surrounding walking trails.
The Elephant Trail at Werribee Open Range Zoo will feature sandpits and deep-water pools collectively holding 2 million litres of Class A recycled water. The trail and its pools are large enough to accommodate the growing herd of elephants and will also help improve their skincare, swimming ability and social skills.
Visitors will also be able to view an elephant barn, including a communal area, training yards and breeding facilities. Five outer habitats will retain and build on existing vegetation and significant trees. Two dedicated overpass bridges will allow the Asian elephants to pass over visitor walking trails between the central management yard and outer habitats.
Work on the Ison Road Overpass began in November 2023 with site establishment and works to relocate and protect essential water and electricity services. Major construction kicked off in early 2024 with earthworks and piling.
Once complete, the 4 lane overpass will extend over the Melbourne-Geelong railway line toward the Princes Freeway. Future-proofed for 6 lanes, it will give residents access to surrounding areas and minimise traffic in central Werribee, reducing congestion and improving journey reliability.
The project’s opportunities for active transport will include shared walking and cycling paths over the bridge and a cycling path underneath the bridge.
Due for completion by the end of 2025, the Ison Road Overpass is set to cater for nearly 29,000 vehicles a day by 2036.