Construction to replace the ageing Barbers Creek Bridge on Plenty Road has started in Mernda, with crews kickstarting a 5 week major works effort.
Crews are working around-the-clock to strengthen the existing 68-year-old bridge, replace bridge barriers and install a new road surface, to complete months of work safely and efficiently.
The existing bridge deck is being replaced by six 16-metre-long precast re-enforced concrete planks, which will be placed on the existing abutments and piers. This will more than double the load capacity of the bridge to suit heavy freight vehicles, such as a 85.5 tonne A-Double Truck.
Installation of the 60 piles required to construct off-structure barriers will commence during the first week of construction and will continue throughout the works. The piles will provide a strong foundation for the new bridge’s safety barriers.
To allow for this important work, Plenty Road will be closed between Arthurs Creek Road and Hazel Glen Road at Barbers Creek from Monday 3 October to Thursday 3 November, during which detours will be in place for road users.
By closing the bridge while we work, crews can safely carry out the works without a prolonged impact to the community. These works will be completed during the day and night, with through and local traffic detours in place.
Motorists will also enjoy better protection, with safety barriers and guard fence to be on approach to and on the bridge itself.
The works will be completed in time for the start of the iconic Whittlesea Show, which is held on the first full weekend of November.
The Australian and Victorian Governments are also investing in 10 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. The Structures Rehabilitation Package is scheduled to be complete by 2023.