The designs for the new Seymour-Avenel Road bridge have been released by Inland Rail, with construction expected to begin in late 2023.
The 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 35m span bridge, approximately 3.2m higher than the existing structure and 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 Federal Government approval conditions.
Inland Rail is a major project that is set to transform how goods are moved around Australia. In Victoria, works will be undertaken at 12 sites, including the Seymour-Avenel Road bridge, to enable double-stacked freight trains to pass safely and ensure everyday products can be delivered faster and more reliably around Australia.
Australian Rail Track Corporation Victorian and South Australian General Manager Projects, Ed Walker, said that it is exciting for the Inland Rail project to be starting construction on its fourth project in Victoria.
“Works at Barnawartha North and Glenrowan are close to completion and Wangaratta is progressing well,” Mr Walker said.
“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.
“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.”
To ensure the community is kept up to date on the project, Inland Rail plans to 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 will be shared with residents at three upcoming Inland Rail and McConnell Dowell pop-ups:
- North East Line 150 Year Celebration, Seymour Railway Station Platform, Saturday 14 October, 11am-1pm
- Station Street Seymour (outside CBA), Friday 27 October, 11am-2pm
- Station Street Seymour (outside CBA), Friday 17 November, 11am-2pm
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.
Featured image: A render of the completed Seymour-Avenel Road bridge. Image: Inland Rail.
