The Allan Labor Government has reopened the Maroondah Aqueduct Bridge on Eltham-Yarra Glen Road, making journeys smoother for the more than 5,400 vehicles each day.
Crews have worked around the clock to undertake essential maintenance and structural improvements, with reinforced steel, new concrete abutments and a new bridge deck installed to strengthen the bridge.
These maintenance works will future-proof the structure and make sure heavy vehicles - which make up 12 per cent of vehicles using this route can continue to use it for years to come.
Built between the late 1800's and early 1900s, Transport Victoria worked closely with Heritage Victoria to plan this maintenance to ensure the protection of the heritage listed bridge and aqueduct.
To reduce the impact to locals during these works, particularly for those living on the western side of the bridge, a free shuttle bus service was provided to offer a safe journey between the Maroondah Aqueduct bridge and the Yarra Glen township.
A temporary pedestrian crossing was also installed over the Maroondah Aqueduct to allow safe access for locals heading to and from Yarra Glen throughout the bridge closure.
Now that the bridge has been reopened, final works including road resurfacing, barrier installation and signage works will continue throughout October.
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
"We know how crucial this link is for locals in the Yarra Glen, Eltham and Diamond Creek region, which is why it was so important that we coukd reopen the bridge ahead of schedule so we can keep freight moving and ensure locals can get where they need to go.""
"We want to thank the local community for their patience while we undertook these crucial works to future-proof the Maroondah Aqueduct Bridge."
As stated by Member for Eltham Vicki Ward
"These important works were vital to ensure an ongoing connection for locals, tourists and freight operators travelling between Yarra Glen and the Eltham/Diamond Creek region every day."
