INLAND Rail will close Marchbanks Road in Broadford from Sunday, August 16 until mid-October to build a new higher bridge with sufficient clearance for double-stacked freight trains.
In Broadford, Inland Rail is building three higher bridges, lowering railway tracks and upgrading pedestrian connections at three sites – Marchbanks Road, Short Street and Hamilton Street.
The new Marchbanks Road bridge will be 3.7 metres higher and 11 metres wider than the existing bridge.
Four beams, fabricated by Haywards in Tasmania, will form the backbone of the bridge. Each beam spans more than 60 metres, and together they weigh 600 tonnes.
Almost 90 concrete piles provide a strong foundation for the bridge, and 165 precast concrete structures will form the bridge walls and barriers.
All traffic will be detoured via the Hume Freeway Clonbinane interchange, potentially adding 15-20 minutes to usual travel times. Motorists are asked to follow all signage and traffic management during these works.
During the works, the new bridges at Hamilton Street and Short Street will be open for traffic.
An Inland Rail spokesperson said patience was required for the next two months.
“We understand Marchbanks Road bridge is an important throughfare over the railway line and connects Broadford with the Hume Freeway,” they said.
“By fully closing the road during the demolition and rebuild, crews can work more efficiently and reconnect Broadford motorists sooner.
“We thank the community for their patience and cooperation as we undertake the works.”
