Restoration of viaduct for East Gippsland Rail Trail underway
The East Gippsland Rail Trail from Bairnsdale to Orbost formally ends at Burn Rd, Newmerella, just 2km short of the old station site near the Snowy River. That gap is about to close as the historic Snowy River Viaduct which crosses the flood plain is returned to use for walking and cycling.
On 21 September, 2024, a gathering of several Orbost locals met at the Burn Rd car park to hear about progress on the restoration of the viaduct.
Thanks to the persistent efforts of a small group of locals over the last five years and with money from several sources, what was only a dream 25 years ago is becoming a reality. The sagging trestle structure is now being levelled, and decaying timber piles repaired using locally sourced timber. A ‘floating’ pathway of perforated synthetic decking will be laid above the original bridge timbers to provide safe and comfortable access for walking, cycling and mobility visitors for years to come.
Handbuilt during WW1 and closed to train traffic in the mid 1980s, this outstanding example of timber railway bridging will be known as the Railway Viaduct Trail, extending the East Gippsland Rail Trail and creating a ‘must visit’ tourism attraction for Orbost.
The photo below is a view of the repaired southern end of the viaduct where it emerges from bushland at Newmerella onto the sweeping vista of the flood plain. The Princes Hwy bridge in the background follows a curving route which mirrors that of the former railway bridge.
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4 comments on “Restoration of viaduct for East Gippsland Rail Trail underway”
Wow, can't believe this is actually happening. My first and only visit to this trail was many years ago when it was opened at Nowa Nowa, and we rode from the Burns Road end to Bruthen after being dropped off by bus. I always had wished we could have ridden from Orbost itself, and now that might be possible before we shuffle off…using the e-bikes of course!!
It's a big job to restore/ renovate/replace this, so hopefully sometime in 2025 it'll bring a smile to our faces!!
So pleased to see the old trestle being restored. I look forward to travelling with my bike from Ballan to Bairnsdale…by V/Line of course as soon as it's completed and once again riding the trail (third visit)stopping over at Bruthen and for a few days at the quirky motel on the highway at Orbost.
Mike, if you have a spare day, and you haven't been, try a 15km (each way) trip to the quaint seaside village of Marlo.
Cheers
I think that there's going to be unexpected, but welcome publicity when motorists on the nearby Highway catch a glimpse of cyclists riding on the adjacent Railway Viaduct Trail. Tourists and travellers might be lured into Orbost to investigate. Could be an opportunity for a bike hire business as well. Any word on anticipated completion date?