BROADFORD motorists will no doubt be happy with the installation of the first two beams installed across the rail line on Hamilton Street, signalling that the end is closer to the current traffic chaos in the area.
Inland Rail is replacing the Hamilton Street bridge with a new higher structure and lowering the rail tracks to provide sufficient clearance for double-stacked freight trains.
The two 35.5 metre beams, each weighing 35 tonnes, were lifted into place by a 650-tonne crane and will form the shared user pathway for pedestrians, cyclists and mobility aids users.
Initially, the shared user path will be used as a one lane vehicle bridge to maintain connectivity across the rail corridor and allow for the adjacent road bridge to be demolished and rebuilt.
The beams were manufactured at Haywards Fabrication facility in Launceston and shipped across Bass Strait before being transported by truck along the Hume Freeway to Broadford.
A temporary Country Fire Authority site has been set up on the northern side of High Street to support any emergency response requirements during the bridge closure.
The site, on a vacant block of land on the High Street, will assist CFA to maintain emergency response times during the Inland Rail works on Hamilton Street bridge. Inland Rail will install two buildings to provide facilities for CFA members, including bathrooms, change rooms and kitchen facilities. There will also be a covered area where one emergency response vehicle will be stationed
With the line closed for 15 hours, Inland Rail also carried out work in Benalla, Wandong and on the Short Street and Marchbanks Road sites in Broadford.
Inland Rail Acting B2A Delivery Director Scott Anderson said the temporary site would give the Broadford CFA some key assistance.
“This temporary site will assist CFA in responding quickly to all emergency situations, complementing their existing base in Hamilton Street,” he said.
“It will enable crews to attend any emergency situation to the north of Broadford and ensure the safety of the community.
“We have been working closely with the Broadford community for many years, and we thank residents and businesses for their patience and understanding while we carry out works to replace the Hamilton Street bridge.
“The installation of the beams at Hamilton Street is a major step forward for the B2A Tranche 2 project.
“It’s a tight work site in the middle of the town, so full credit to the team for the delivery and installation of the first two of seven beams for the bridge.”
