The Inland Rail project has reached a major milestone in Victoria, with the opening of the new Beaconsfield Parade bridge in Glenrowan.
The new 145-metre bridge will replace the 60-year-old existing bridge to allow greater clearance for Inland Rail to run double-stacked freight trains safely underneath.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail has designed the bridge to incorporate a network of pathways to better connect Glenrowan's heritage sites, improve vehicle and pedestrian safety, and enhance landscaping and finishes to respect the precinct's heritage.
In total, 51 concrete beams are incorporated into the bridge - 30 for the vehicle section and 21 beams for the pedestrian section of the bridge. More than 1,200 cubic metres of concrete has been used to construct the bridge.
Work on the site will continue following the bridge opening with the old bridge dismantled and removed, landscaping and lighting.
Inland Rail is a nation building rail project that will transform how goods are moved around Australia, first connecting Beveridge in Victoria to Parkes in New South Wales by 2027. At the same time, planning works are underway for the sections north of Parkes.
The Albanese Government is getting the project back on track after years of cost blowouts, poor planning and poor management.
In Victoria, work will take place at 12 sites 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.
ARTC Inland Rail contracted McConnell Dowell to build the first four tranche 1 projects beginning at Barnawartha North, Glenrowan, Wangaratta and Seymour-Avenel Road, Seymour.
Inland Rail is planning to award the construction contract for the remaining eight Victorian construction sites in mid-2024, with construction expected to begin in early 2025.
Inland Rail has spent $45.1 million with 196 local Victorian businesses and employed 662 locals on the Victorian section of the project.
Inland Rail will create new opportunities for Australian industries and regional communities during construction and beyond.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications Catherine King:
"Inland Rail will better connect regional businesses, manufacturers, and producers to national and global markets.
"It will enhance our national freight and supply chain capabilities, connecting existing freight routes through rail, roads and ports.
"Freight will be delivered faster and more reliably, with fewer carbon emissions."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance and Minister for Women Katy Gallagher:
"The Glenrowan community and the thousands of visitors that flock to the historic township every year will benefit from the better connected and safer heritage precinct.
"To support Inland Rail, the Government is investing in new bridges, improved access to railway stations, new railway platforms and additional station carparks."
