As part of Melbourne Airport Rail, a second rail bridge will be built over the Maribyrnong River Valley alongside the existing heritage bridge which was built in the 1920s.
The new rail bridge will be around the same height as the existing bridge, which is approximately 550m long and 50m high. It will become the second highest bridge in Victoria after the West Gate Bridge.
The rail bridge will be designed to complement the existing heritage rail bridge and minimise impacts to the landscape. It will also be built in a way to preserve the structure and sight lines of the existing heritage-listed bridge.
The new rail bridge is an opportunity to celebrate the local area, with Melbourne Airport Rail passengers being able to enjoy the far-reaching views of the Maribyrnong River Valley.
Design solution
The new rail bridge will comprise an elevated twin track rail crossing to the west of the existing heritage rail bridge. The bridge will support Melbourne Airport Rail trains travelling in both directions to and from the airport.
The rail corridor crossing the Maribyrnong River Valley is highly constrained, with steep cliffs and existing infrastructure including the heritage rail bridge and a jet fuel pipeline.
The new rail bridge has been designed to minimise potential impacts to existing infrastructure and the environment.
Concept image
