INALND Rail has released the design for the new Seymour-Avenel Road bridge ahead of the start of construction later this year.
The current Seymour-Avenel Road bridge is 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. The design incorporates earth embankments sympathetic to the surrounding environment and retaining walls to reduce impact on Avenel Road.
Building the new bridge in the same location reduces the impact on the environment and any required vegetation removal will comply with the relevant Victorian and Australian government approval conditions.
In Victoria, Inland Rail works will be undertaken at 12 sites, including the Seymour-Avenel Road bridge, to enable double-stacked freight trains to pass safely.
Construction is expected to be completed in early 2025.
ARTC Victoria and South Australia general manager projects Ed Walker said the bridge would be Inland Rail’s fourth project in Victoria.
“Works at Barnawartha North and Glenrowan are close to completion and Wangaratta is progressing well. 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,” Mr Walker 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.”
