Inland Rail has released the design for the new Seymour-Avenel Road bridge ahead of the start of construction later this year.
The Seymour-Avenel Road bridge is currently too low for double-stacked freight trains, requiring Inland Rail and construction partner McConnell Dowell to replace it with a higher bridge in the same location.
The design includes a 35-metre span bridge, about 3.2 metres higher than the existing structure and incorporates earth embankments sympathetic to the surrounding environment and retaining walls to reduce impact on Avenel Road.
Australian Rail Track Corporation projects general manager Ed Walker said it was exciting for the Inland Rail project to be starting construction on the fourth project in Victoria.
“Shovels will be in the ground before the end of the year at Seymour-Avenel Road and it’s expected to be completed in early 2025,” he said.
“Three companies have been shortlisted in the tender process to bid for the remaining eight projects at Benalla, Seymour, Broadford, Wandong and Tallarook.
“We will select a preferred contractor next year and start construction at some of these sites before the end of next year.”
Building the new bridge in the same location reduces the impact on the environment and any required vegetation removal will comply with the relevant state and federal governments approval conditions.
Inland Rail will distribute regular works notifications to impacted residents and businesses, update the project website, run community drop-in sessions, post relevant social media and meet residents face-to-face.
The new bridge design is being shared with residents at Inland Rail and McConnell Dowell pop-ups.
The next session is at Station Street Seymour, outside the Commonwealth Bank, from 11am to 2pm on November 17.
Over the coming weeks, McConnell Dowell will establish a work site area and start preparations for construction of the new bridge.
This will include construction of a temporary road to access Granville Drive and the closure of Seymour-Avenel Road with traffic detours in place in early 2024.
Construction is expected to be completed in early 2025.
