The Traralgon company, Hourigan and Walsh, will replace and upgrade two bridges for the rail trail from Mirboo North to Boolarra.
The area was severely impacted by the January 2009 Delburn Complex fire, which destroyed vegetation, bridges, and visitor facilities.
The bridges will cross the steep gullies at formation height. This means there will no longer be a need for a steep descent and ascent on either side, making the full length of the trail accessible for those who are mobility impaired or on bicycles for the first time.
Department of Sustainability and Environment project manager William Storer said Hourigan and Walsh would work with Strzelecki Engineering to fabricate and install the new bridges.
Strzelecki Engineering director Paul Van de Rydt said they had completed five of the six modules for the bridges.
“It’s been fantastic and really good job,” Mr Van de Rydt said.
“The Grand Ridge Rail Trail project is an exciting initiative which will have major benefits for the local community and regional tourism.
“Work to construct the bridges has commenced and once completed will be installed along the trail east of Darlimurla.”
The bridges are being constructed off-site and will be lifted into place by a crane when completed.
Mr Storer said once the bridges were installed, other works including the reforming drainage and culverts, resurfacing, installation of signage and improvements to fire access, will be undertaken.
“This is a major project as part of the government’s bushfire recovery response, and we are working hard to ensure that the trail is reopened to the public as soon as possible.”
Hourigan and Walsh’s Peter Hourigan said it was a thrill to be awarded the contracts.
“These bridges will undoubtedly become a feature of this important tourism and recreational asset,” Mr Hourigan said.
The project will be completed in the coming months, depending on the weather.
It is part of the Victorian and Commonwealth governments ‘Rebuilding Together’ – Statewide Bushfire Recovery plan, launched in October 2009.
See the original article in the Latrobe Valley Express.
See also our Grand Ridge Rail Trail Description.
After the devastating floods that struck the northern NSW and SE Qld this year, some good news with life returning to a ...
The Richmond Vale Rail Trail in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley is rapidly progressing towards development. As reported...
There are some folklores, especially from a movie, that all you have to do is build it and they will come. However the r...
After a small break to regroup, the Batlow to Tumut Rail Trail committee are once again on the task of assisting this wo...
Two RTA representatives attended the “Western Region Bicycle Forum” at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo o...
The High Tea gourmet ride is back by popular demand. Bike riders leave Huon Reserve, off the Murray Valley Highway, Huon...
The Mansfield Marathon events (to be held on Sunday 29 May) include a full marathon 42.2km, half marathon 21.1km, 10km, ...
Rockhampton Regional Council has released the preliminary design for the Mount Morgan Rail Trail in central Queensland. ...
More great news for the wonderful Great Southern Rail Trail in Gippsland, Victoria with the announcement that funding ha...
RTA continues to work on making its website rail trail descriptions more informative. The latest improvement is be able ...
The picturesque 80km High Country Rail Trail in north east Victoria is undergoing significant improvement: The sealed su...
The South Australian Riverton Community will host “A Walk or Ride To Remember The Anzacs” on the Rattler Rai...
A short trail link has recently been completed by The Barossa Council (in South Australia) at Sandy Creek. The 100m seal...
Triobikes are great for mobility-limited people to visit rail trails – and with two triobikes already in Tumbarumb...
EastLink WA is a proposed highway being planned by Main Roads to deliver a safer and more efficient journey between Pert...
The Tumbarumba Rail Trail group has announced that the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail is now internationally certifie...
Stay up to date with the latest news about Rail Trails with our free email news.
Sign UpAfter the devastating floods that struck the northern NSW and SE Qld this year, some good news with life returning to a ...
The Richmond Vale Rail Trail in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley is rapidly progressing towards development. As reported...
There are some folklores, especially from a movie, that all you have to do is build it and they will come. However the r...
After a small break to regroup, the Batlow to Tumut Rail Trail committee are once again on the task of assisting this wo...
Two RTA representatives attended the “Western Region Bicycle Forum” at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo o...
The High Tea gourmet ride is back by popular demand. Bike riders leave Huon Reserve, off the Murray Valley Highway, Huon...
The Mansfield Marathon events (to be held on Sunday 29 May) include a full marathon 42.2km, half marathon 21.1km, 10km, ...
Rockhampton Regional Council has released the preliminary design for the Mount Morgan Rail Trail in central Queensland. ...
More great news for the wonderful Great Southern Rail Trail in Gippsland, Victoria with the announcement that funding ha...
RTA continues to work on making its website rail trail descriptions more informative. The latest improvement is be able ...
The picturesque 80km High Country Rail Trail in north east Victoria is undergoing significant improvement: The sealed su...
The South Australian Riverton Community will host “A Walk or Ride To Remember The Anzacs” on the Rattler Rai...
A short trail link has recently been completed by The Barossa Council (in South Australia) at Sandy Creek. The 100m seal...
Triobikes are great for mobility-limited people to visit rail trails – and with two triobikes already in Tumbarumb...
EastLink WA is a proposed highway being planned by Main Roads to deliver a safer and more efficient journey between Pert...
The Tumbarumba Rail Trail group has announced that the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail is now internationally certifie...