The Minister was joined on site by Inland Rail CEO Nick Miller, Beveridge to Albury project team representatives and members of the public for a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by the first bridge walk.
"This is going to create better accessibility to the historic sites in Glenrowan and improve safety outcomes for the community, so it has been great to see the community's support today," Nick Miller said.
"We've had a great relationship with the Glenrowan community and worked closely with local stakeholders to make sure we're integrating this new infrastructure with the town.
"We've been listening to what's important to the local community and modified our designs to accommodate those needs, wherever possible.
"I would like to thank everyone at Inland Rail, ARTC and our construction partner McConnell Dowell, who have worked tirelessly to see this latest milestone become a reality."
The new 145-metre bridge, which will open to local traffic from Monday, replaces the 60-year-old existing bridge and will allow greater clearance for Inland Rail to run double-stacked freight trains safely underneath.
The completed Beaconsfield Avenue bridge in Glenrowan.
Our bridge design incorporates a network of pathways to better connect Glenrowan's heritage sites, improves vehicle and pedestrian safety, and enhances landscaping and finishes to respect the precinct's heritage.
In total, 51 concrete beams were installed on the bridge deck and pedestrian walkway with more than 1,200 cubic metres of concrete poured during the 12-month construction period.
Work on the site will continue over coming months, including demolition of the old bridge, landscaping and lighting installation.
Inland Rail has spent $45.1 million with 196 local Victorian businesses and employed 662 locals on the Victorian section of the project.
