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 updatesThe iconic Northern Rivers Rail Trail keeps rolling on! On the occasion of the opening of the Casino to Bentley stag...
As part of its ongoing advocacy work and community engagement, the Castlemaine Maryborough Rail Trail Inc. Group recentl...
The Adelaide to Port Dock railway line was constructed in 1856 to service the passenger and freight movement between the...
Early bird registrations are open until April 12 for Lake High – ‘Walk for Autism’ on April 26, 2024 for teams of ...
The official opening of the Casino to Bentley stage of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail was held at the Old Casino Station...
While most of the work extending the Great Southern Rail Trail from Welshpool to Alberton had been completed by the end ...
The long-awaited New England Rail Trail (NERT) stage 1 from Glen Innes to Ben Lomond in northern NSW is now a very big s...
An extension to the Amy Gillett Rail Trail will go ahead after a funding agreement was reached. Stage Four of the Amy Gi...
Riders and walkers will soon have another escape from the very popular Warburton Rail Trail courtesy of a program to cle...
On the 24 February the Atherton district and beyond saw members of the running and outdoor fraternity enjoying an inform...
Sunday, March 3 saw over 100 cyclists of various ages and abilities enjoy a bike ride under a clear blue sky and perfect...
After detailed historical and site investigations, Heritage Victoria have placed the former Rushworth Railway Station on...
It’s only been open for a year, but the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail has exceeded expectations. Dra...
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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.