Latest designs released for new Inland Rail replacement bridges

The ARTC/Inland Rail has unveiled the latest designs for three replacement bridges that will be delivered in Broadford, central Victoria.

The Marchbanks Road, Short and Hamilton Street bridges in Broadford need to be rebuilt to provide clearance for taller double-stacked freight trains to pass underneath.

The bridge at Marchbanks Road will have a new higher bridge built with wider lanes and road shoulders. Works will also add anti-throw screens for improved safety and include earth embankments sympathetic to the area.

The Hamilton Street bridge will have a combination of a track lower and a new raised bridge. A new roundabout will also be built at the Hamilton and Ferguson Street intersection and pedestrian connectivity will be improved with a new pedestrian path on the northern side of the bridge and a shared user path on the south.

Delivery at Short Street will include a combination of a track lower and a new raised bridge with pedestrian connectivity improved via a new pedestrian path on the northern side of the bridge and a shared user path on the south.

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In Victoria, work will take place at 12 sites – a quarter in Broadford – to lower tracks and raise bridges to enable double-stacked freight trains to pass safely and ensure everyday products can be delivered faster and more reliably around Australia.

Inland Rail is planning to award the construction contract for the remaining eight construction sites, including Broadford, in mid-2024 with construction expected to commence in early 2025.

Ed Walker, ARTC Victoria and South Australian General Manager Projects said the new bridge designs balance requirements with the practical needs of the community.

“The new bridges will be safer and provide better access for vehicles and pedestrians. Nearby intersections will also be modified to improve traffic safety and flow,” Walker said.

“We encourage the community to come forward with their comments and suggestions on the latest designs.”

To view the designs and more, make sure to click here.