This project received a huge boost in November 2020 with an announcement from the Victorian Government that it would allocate $3.5 mill. to this community-led restoration project. This allocation was part of a Gippsland Tourism Recovery Package which includes construction of new roofed accommodation at Cape Conran Coastal Park and other projects throughout Gippsland.
In addition, the Federal Government has allocated a further $1.05 Mill. for ancillary works such as car parks, signage and access for cyclists and people of all abilities. This funding comes through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery program.
This project is now underway & expected to be completed in 2024.
some exciting updates
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Feb, March 2025 COMPLETION OF STAGE 1 OF BRIDGE WORKS. This has been a major achievement. As well as the sections of 'floating deck' at both ends, an under-bridge walk at the western end provides a unique experience. A major stand-out is the ENTRY FEATURE at the eastern end, along with signs and stories of the railways and the Orbost district. FUNDING FOR STAGE 2 is essential to complete this project so that its full potential as a visitor experience can be achieved.
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January 2025 Landscaping and picnic areas with indigenous themes have been installed at both carparks and other key access points to the bridge. Thanks to GLaWAC (GunnaiKurnai Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation). Also, a suite of signs and interpretive materials have been mapped out with installation expected soon.
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May to December 2024 STAGE 1 OF BRIDGE WORKS. A huge amount of work has been done on the Bridge - repair & stabilization of the under structure of piles and beams. Removal of ballast. Installation of a new 'floating deck' of steel and synthetic mesh at both ends of the bridge. STAGE 1 will not unfortunately complete the whole bridge project but will provide access to completed sections at both ends. This is a large project and we are searching for FUNDING FOR STAGE 2 to complete the project.
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April 2024 Structural work on the Bridge to begin. Contract signed with McInnes Earthmoving for works on the bridge - to start in May 2024.
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January/February 2024 Carpark construction underway with access ramp from eastern carpark to embankment and bridge.
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November 2023 Carparks and access ramp marked out with pegs. Two carparks are proposed to provide easy access to both ends of the bridge. These will have capacity for cars and buses.
September 4th 2023 Application for a Planning Permit with East Gippsland Shire Council for works to restore the bridge to form a pedestrian/cycle path, construct two carparks, pedestrian access ramp & removal of native vegetation.
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August 23rd 2023 Annual General Meeting. Click this link to read the President's report which details progress made over the last 12 months.
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May 10th 2023, 9-12 noon Community drop-in session held at the Library Meeting Room in Orbost. Those who attended were able to view plans & ask questions, give feedback and ideas, meet the Project Manager and generally get an update on this important project.
May 2023 Final designs being completed, along with planning requirements; preparation of tender documents for advertisement.
September 2022 Wood Research and Development Inc appointed to conduct a thorough condition report on the bridge. This has lead to detailed design and costing estimates in preparation for putting this restoration project out to tender. Also, carparks are being designed to provide access to both ends of the bridge, along with an access ramp and signs.
September 2021 Gippsland Project Management (GPM) working with the Snowy Rail Bridge Project Control Group to steer this project through all of the planning and design requirements.
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Pile testing
Carpark construction
Workers from Wood Research and Development Inc. on site to assess the condition of all pile timber, cross braces etc.