On Wednesday 10 May 2023 a public-information session was held for community members to view and discuss the plans for restoration of the historic 770-metre-long Orbost Railway Bridge over the Snowy River floodplain.
Community members were invited to look at the plans and talk with the Project Manager and local members of the Save the Snowy Rail Bridge Group about the project.
This project is supported by the Victorian Government through a Tourism Infrastructure Program grant ($3.5 Million) and by the Australian Government through a Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant ($1.065 Million).
Built in 1915 this bridge carried trains to the Orbost Railway Station at Newmerella until the line closed in 1987. Plans are now to give this grand old bridge a future by its restoration so that it can function as a walking and cycling trail and become part of the East Gippsland Rail Trail.
This phase of restoration will involve stabilising and replacing sections of the piles and other timbers, removing the ballast, and the installation of some new deck and safety rails. Another key feature will be the provision of walking and cycling access, as well as carparking and signage.
The restored bridge will retain its current appearance in the main – there will still be timber piles and a timber under structure. In addition, there will be a synthetic mesh deck for walking and cycling.
The bridge will display some of the history of the district and the Snowy River and the story of how the railway line was built and used. The project aims to give the bridge a future as a key element of the district’s social and visual landscape and support tourism outcomes.
The bridge restoration should begin later this year (2023). The exact timing will be dependent on the availability of contractors. Current plans require the project be completed by June 2024.
This is a big story for a big bridge – the longest timber railway bridge in Victoria.
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Register for news updatesExcitement is mounting as bridge works on the Yarra Valley Rail Trail near Yering in Victoria start to take shape. One o...
The Coast to Vines Rail Trail has a 4 km rural section between the suburb of Seaford Rise and the township of McLaren Va...
The NSW government has responded to a recent question on the possible return to rail services on Great Northern Rail Lin...
Last week the Fraser Coast Regional Council announced that it will request the Queensland Government to contribute $9 mi...
Our judge (a former newspaper travel editor) has selected the best rail trail review from a range of reviews submitted o...
Rail Trails Australia has announced the winners of $10,000 worth of grants designed to assist community organisations to...
Rail Trails Australia’s regional representatives are often testing out ‘their’ rail trails in the regi...
Our vice-president Steven Kaye was interviewed by Nic Healey on ABC radio (Victoria) this week. He discussed how local c...
Get ready to ride the Great Victorian Rail Trail (GVRT) on Saturday, March 29. Cycle Dindi is a fully supported, family ...
Comments on the extension of the Mornington Railside Trail south of Melbourne close Friday 31 January. The draft master...
Transforming a disused railway line into a prized tourist attraction and public space is no easy task. The Summer 2024-2...
Building a shared bridge over busy Toorak Rd on the Outer Circle Rail Trail in Melbourne was not one of the state gove...
Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) and Mareeba Shire Council gathered at Walkamin recently to celebrate the joining of No...
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3 comments on “Snowy Railway Bridge restoration progress”
We're yet to complete the Nowa Nowa to Orbost section. It'll be a real treat to ride the restored bridge to do it. Worth the wait.
That is fantastic news. I rode on that trail and out to Marlo about 8 years ago and it was an awesome structure even in its dilapidated condition. What a joy to ride over it!
I'm pencilling in Spring '24, when this project has been completed, for another trek along the East Gippsland Rail Trail.
Riding the bridge will be a great way to start (or finish) the trip.
Wonderful news.