The federal government has announced that a new bridge on Beaconsfield Parade in Glenrowan has opened as part of the ongoing Inland Rail project.
The 145-metre bridge will replace the 60-year-old existing bridge to allow greater clearance for the Inland Rail to run double-stacked freight trains safely underneath.
“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,” federal finance minister Katy Gallagher says.
“To support the Inland Rail, the federal government is investing in new bridges, improved access to railway stations, new railway platforms and additional station carparks.”
A total of 51 concrete beams and more than 1,200 cubic metres of concrete has been used to construct the bridge. Works will continue at the site to dismantle the old bridge.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail has also designed the bridge to incorporate a network of pathways to better connect Glenrowan’s heritage sites, improve vehicle and pedestrian safety and enhance landscaping.
Construction has commenced on the first four projects that form part of Inland Rail, including in Glenrowan, Barnawartha North, Wangaratta and Seymour-Avenel Road.
The federal government says ARTC Inland Rail has so far spent $45.1 million with 196 local Victorian businesses and employed 662 locals on the Victorian section of the project.
The federal government says plans have already commenced on awarding contracts for the remaining eight Victorian sites in mid-2024, with construction expected to begin by 2025.
“Inland Rail will better connect regional businesses, manufacturers and producers to national and global markets,” federal infrastructure and transport minister Catherine King says.
“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.”