The new road bridge at Fitzgerald Road is taking shape following 24/7 works in Ardeer.
A full road and rail closure paved the way for the installation of 14 bridge beams during the works.
Weighing in at 61 tonnes each, the beams will form the new road bridge over the rail line when works finish in 2023.
Each bridge beam was precast in Melbourne’s outer western suburbs. Local truck and logistics company Hi-Haul Transport then transported the beams to site.
A 750-tonne crane then lifted the beams into place over Forrest Street and the rail line. Works finished ahead of schedule despite the poor weather conditions.
This project joins Robinsons Road and Mt Derrimut Road as key infrastructure projects on the Geelong and Ballarat lines.
The boom gates can be down for up to 45% of the morning peak at Ardeer. This can delay tens of thousands of passengers and freight vehicles every day.
Removing the level crossing will provide a more reliable road network and improved safety for pedestrians and road users.
The local community in Melbourne’s west will be able to look forward to better connections and reduced travel times following the works.
