Tara Murray
The new rail bridge being built as part of the Fitzgerald Road level crossing removal is progressing with 14 massive beams lifted into place on the weekend.
Seven 61-tonne beams were lifted by a 750-tonne crane over Forrest Street, and another seven were lifted over the rail line in Ardeer while coaches replaced trains on the Ballarat line.
While the train line was closed and some local detours were in place, crews worked around the clock to continue to install retaining wall panels next to the bridge support walls and relocated underground services on Fitzgerald Road.
Level crossing removal program director Andrew Pepplinkhouse said they wanted to thank the community and passengers who the detours and no trains impacted.
“Lifting these massive beams is a huge milestone for the project, and people driving or walking by will be able to see this road bridge come to life – it takes us a step closer to seeing this level crossing gone for good.”
The level crossing is one of three in Brimbank that are being removed to make traffic flow smoother
Level crossings at Robinsons Road and Mt Derrimut Road in Deer Park are also being removed.
The Fitzgerald Road and Robinsons Road crossings are set for completion in 2023 and the Mt Derrimut Road crossing the following year.
