Snowy Railway Bridge restoration progress

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.