The upgrade to one of the busiest bridges in Melbourne’s north is underway.
Maintenance and rehabilitation work kicked off on the Barry Road bridge on Monday, July 25, to preserve the structural integrity of this rail crossing well into the future.
Built in 1957, the three-span bridge over the Craigieburn Rail Line is more than 60 years old.
To ensure its structural integrity for future generations, a concrete overlay will be placed over the deck and fixing it in place with steel rods, according to Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV).
A section of Barry Road is closed between Pascoe Vale Road and Yinnar Street in Dallas, to allow crews to complete three months of work in six weeks. The road will reopen at 5pm on Sunday, September 4.
As part of this upgrade, a wide variety of repairs and safeguarding works carried out on the Barry Road bridge, including structural repairs to the bridge; installation of new safety barriers; installation of anti-throw screens; and re-asphalting and new line-marking on the bridge.
The ongoing program will ensure a safe and durable crossing is maintained for the long-term use of vehicles, heavy transport operators, rail operations beneath and pedestrians.
MRPV program director Dipal Sorathia said the essential bridge upgrade will ensure a safer journey for road users.
“We’re upgrading the rail crossing in Broadmeadows to improve safety and reliability for more than 20,000 motorists who use the bridge every day,” he said.
Detours will be in place while major works are completed. There’ll be delays expected of up to 20 minutes.
Drivers looking to travel east-west during this time, are encouraged to either turn off sooner or later when travelling on Pascoe Vale or Hume Highway and use any one of either Somerton Road or Camp Road.
Traffic management will be on site and detours will be in place to help motorists travel around the works safely. Access for residents and businesses will be maintained at all times during construction.
Pedestrians will need to use a pedestrian detour via the Coolaroo Station pedestrian footbridge and overpass to access train services.
The Barry Road Bridge maintenance and rehabilitation program is the first major structural rehabilitation work undertaken since its construction.
