Upgrades to Cement Creek Bridge in Warburton have officially commenced, with works expected to be completed in eight weeks, weather permitting.
Over the past three weeks, contractors have conducted preliminary works, culminating in the installation of a crane on August 15, which has already begun removing the older steel beams that were identified as corroded and requiring replacement.
The next stage of upgrade works will include the installation of new beams and decking, and works are expected to be completed in Spring.
This work is part of the Cement Creek Road Bridge Upgrade Project, which will deliver improved safety for the community accessing the Cement Creek Redwood Forest and involves the replacement of existing bridge decking to increase load capacity and a new pedestrian access way alongside the existing bridge.
The upgrade project was expected to be delivered earlier, however, heavy machinery was unable to access the site due to the Warburton Landslip.
Yarra Ranges Mayor and O’Shannassy Ward Councillor Jim Child, said the upgrades were required to ensure ongoing community safety when visiting the Redwoods Forest, and thanked the community for their patience during this time.
“The Redwoods Forest is one of the most visited locations in our municipality, so having the bridge upgraded to accommodate the increased traffic to the area is a necessity,” Cr Child said.
“The closure has obviously caused some disruption, and we know that there have been some challenges in getting boots on the ground to start this project, but I want to thank the community for their patience because our construction efforts are now back on track for the Cement Creek Bridge upgrade project and in eight weeks’ time we should have this popular location open again.”
The $1.3 million bridge renewal project is being funded by the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery Program, Bridge Renewal Program, and the Victorian Government.
Once the Yarra Ranges Council bridge works are complete, Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water will commence on a $3 million Redwood Forest redevelopment.
To keep updated on the project click here.
