The final concrete beam has been installed on the higher Glenrowan bridge, completing a 245-metre span over the railway line for Inland Rail in Victoria.
A new bridge (pictured) was constructed adjacent to the Beaconsfield Parade Bridge as it did not have enough clearance for the double-stacked freight trains that would use the new rail route.
With the main bridge structure complete, it comprises 51 beams, 30 for the vehicle section and 21 beams for the pedestrian area, with more than 1200 cubic metres of concrete used in its construction.
McConnell Dowell used a 750 tonne crane to lift the final seven 30-tonne concrete beams into place in late January. Work commenced on the bridge in February 2023.
Ed Walker, ARTC Victoria and South Australian General Manager Projects, said the bridge’s construction wasn’t easy.
“It’s challenging to build a bridge like this with a working rail line underneath, but the team is doing a terrific job.”
Peter Lacki, McConnell Dowell Senior Project Engineer, said the team is now working on barrier installation, connecting the approach ramps, and constructing the road base.
North-east of Glenrowan, the Green Street Bridge in Wangaratta is being removed this week. Cranes will take off the bridge deck and pier for demolition and then removal off site.
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is our weekly news journalist and the editor of Concrete in Australia magazine for 10 years. She has been heavily involved in all forms of engineering since 2013; part of a 30-year writing career across a range of subjects and media.