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Beaufort Bridge Works Connecting Western Victoria

31 May 2018

Work is underway to strengthen the 50-year-old Beaufort Rail Bridge, which will boost productivity along one of Western Victoria’s most important routes.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan today inspected works on the historic bridge, to bring it in to line with current safety standards and upgrading its capacity to carry bigger trucks.

The bridge, which passes above the Ararat-Melbourne rail line, serves as a crucial link between Western Victoria and Melbourne.

The $2.5 million strengthening and upgrade project will increase the bridge’s maximum load rating to 110 tonnes.

Key elements of the project include strengthening of the bridge structure itself, along with upgrades to the kerb and guardrails in order to meet current road safety benchmarks.

These works will make the bridge compatible with the Western Highway duplication between Ballarat and Ararat.

The Western Highway is the key link for Victoria’s western district, supporting farming, grain production, regional tourism and a range of manufacturing activities.

Beaufort Rail Bridge is one of three bridges which will be strengthened along the Western Highway with works on the Lerderderg Bridge at Bacchus Marsh completed in 2017, and works on Pykes Creek Bridges at Bacchus Marsh currently underway.

The Beaufort Rail Bridge is on track for completion mid year.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan

“This project is just one of a number of key upgrades to one of Victoria’s key transport routes, improving the connections between Western Victoria and Melbourne.”

“We’re making this bridge safer for all users, as well as boosting productivity along the Western Highway.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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