The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail has unveiled the latest designs for the three replacement bridges to be built in Broadford and has invited comments and feedback from residents.
The ARTC says 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 design features of the new bridges start with Marchbanks Road, where a new higher bridge will be built with wider lanes and road shoulders.
On Hamilton Street, a combination of a track lower and a new raised bridge will be joined by the construction of a new roundabout at the Hamilton and Ferguson Street intersection.
At Short Street, a track lower and new raised bridge will allow for pedestrian connectivity.
The ARTC says the Inland Rail team has worked hard to deliver safe and compliant designs that meet agency requirements and community expectations, incorporating community feedback where possible.
“We have worked closely with the relevant government agencies and asset owners to present designs that balance their requirements with the practical needs of the community,” ARTC Victoria and South Australian general manager of projects Ed Walker says.
“While we expect some delays to pedestrian and traffic movements during construction, we will be doing everything we can to minimise disruption and maintain movements across the railway line.
“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.
“We encourage the community to come forward with their comments and suggestions on the latest designs.”
The ARTC is now starting a month-long community consultation period on the three new bridges.
The Inland Rail, when complete, will connect Beveridge to Parkes in NSW by 2027 before later connecting to Narromine in NSW and Ebenzer in Queensland.
In Victoria, work will take place at 12 sites, a quarter of which will be in Broadford, to lower tracks and raise bridges so that double-stacked freight trains can pass safely and ensure everyday products are 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 set to begin in early 2025.