As part of the upgrade, we've built a new bridge over Plenty River. The new bridge is 75 metres long and 29 metres wide, with 2 lanes in each direction. This will reduce congestion and improve connectivity to local services.
We established a foundation structure, a sub-structure, and a superstructure, which includes 33 pre-cast concrete bridge beams. These beams weigh up to 59 tonnes each and were placed to be millimetre perfect. A successful beam lift operation involves around 200 people, including engineers, site supervisors, labourers, machine operators, administrators, project managers and other support staff.
We used 50% Supplementary Cementitious Materials, which are a partial substitute for cement. By doing this we were able to reduce carbon emissions, raw materials extraction and materials going to landfill.
Construction works on the bridge started in late 2022 and it opened to traffic in 2024.
We also converted the old bluestone bridge over Plenty River to a dedicated walking and cycling path. The original bluestone bridge over Plenty River in Mernda was built in 1867 and is one of the oldest bluestone bridges in Victoria.
The three-span bridge stood in its original form until 1975, when it underwent major rehabilitation to accommodate the increase in traffic demand and capacity.
Our works on the bluestone bridge included:
- removing the existing asphalt
- building a new concrete deck while retaining the original heritage bluestone structure
- upgrading the handrails
- landscaping works.
People are now benefiting from safer, improved and effective active transport connections to Mernda Train Station, local businesses and amenities.
Bridge photos
Works for the new bridge started in late 2022. The photos below capture our progress.
