Changes to the Great Southern Rail Trail in Victoria

On 22 April 2021 the South Gippsland Highway project team issued the following advice regarding the upgrade of the South Gippsland Highway and the changes to the Great Southern Rail Trail.

“Works are well underway on the South Gippsland Highway upgrade between Koonwarra and Meeniyan.

We have made significant progress levelling out the terrain, with major earthworks underway. The new alignment is becoming more noticeable as we work.

Piles are being constructed to form the foundations of two new bridges over the Tarwin River. Progress has also been made on installing large retaining walls.

Works are being carefully planned to minimise impact in this environmentally sensitive area.

The project team is working closely with Nerrena Valley Landcare group.

Over the coming months we’ll:

• construct temporary bridges to help us access difficult-to-reach areas of the project
• divert the Great Southern Rail Trail for a short distance in two areas to enable construction of an underpass and retaining walls
• excavate further soil to level out the ground
• create the foundations of the new bridges and install retaining walls.”

Changes to the Great Southern Rail Trail

“The Great Southern Rail Trail will be diverted in two places over the coming months so the new road can be constructed.

Temporary barriers have been installed in these areas so work can progress safely behind them.

Traffic controllers may stop you briefly between 7am and 5pm and Saturdays between 7am and 1pm so that machinery and equipment can be safely moved across. For your safety, please follow all safety signage and directions given by our workers.”

Ongoing monitoring for fossil material

“We continue to work with our project palaeontologists as we monitor for potential fossilised material within the project alignment.

Both project staff and palaeontologists are on the lookout for material similar to that found in the nearby Koonwarra Fossil Bed, which has previously yielded fossilised fish, plants, insects, and feathers dating from the early Cretaceous period 115 million years ago.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete works on the South Gippsland Highway project.”