Victoria’s Big Build is powering ahead in Melbourne’s northwest this winter, as we're getting on with works to build Sunbury’s most important road crossing.
Here's a first-hand look at the rapidly taking shape Jacksons Creek bridge and a chance to see how the base of the bridge is coming together.
Hundreds of bored piles as well as concrete piers, headstocks and beams have been installed, forming the base for the new deck that has recently been poured. Across 5 days in June, 250 cubic metres of concrete were placed.
More than 20 team members worked to trowel, cure and finish the concrete surface with a roughened broom to enable suitable bonding of further road layers.
Construction of on-structure barriers along the sides of the new bridge has already commenced, which will provide a safer environment for all road users. Installation of pedestrian fencing started in July. The outer ends of the bridge remain closed to public access while the remaining works are carried out.
Three layers of asphalt will be laid on either side of the bridge to a depth of 220mm, as well as a single final layer of wearing course asphalt to a depth of 40mm.
More than 24,000 drivers rely on Sunbury Road each day with the existing two-lane bridge causes delays during the morning and afternoon peaks.
On track to be completed by the end of 2023, the new Jacksons Creek Bridge will double capacity and reduce delays faced by drivers crossing the Jacksons Creek and travelling between existing and emerging communities and the Sunbury town centre, as well as accommodate for future residential and commercial growth along Sunbury Road.
Sunbury Road is being widened to accommodate four lanes of traffic and new signalised intersections at Lancefield Road and Francis Boulevard to improve traffic flow.
New traffic lights are being installed at the Sunbury Eco-Hub entrance along with almost 8km of new shared user paths to boost safety and accessibility for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
The new Jacksons Creek bridge is part of the Sunbury Road Upgrade, jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments and is being delivered by Major Road Projects Victoria.
The Sunbury Road Upgrade is expected to be complete by 2025.