Work is ramping up on the new Chandler Highway Bridge, with a two-week blitz of overnight closures kicking off on Sunday.
Crews will work around the clock to install the steel beams that will support the new bridge – scheduling beam lifts at night to minimise traffic disruptions.
Each beam is up to 52 metres long and is lifted into place using a 600-tonne crane.
To allow for this important work, Chandler Highway will be closed between Yarra Boulevard and Heidelberg Road from Sunday 25 March to Wednesday 28 March between 7:30pm – 5:30am.
Chandler Highway will be reopened over Easter before a second closure from Saturday 7 April to Tuesday 10 April, between 7:30pm and 5:30am, the last night being Tuesday 10 April.
Detours will be in place for drivers during this time, while cyclists, pedestrians and canoeists will have restricted access along the Yarra River waterway, the walking paths beside the Yarra River and the Yarra River bridge.
One lane will be closed on the bridge until Saturday 24 March between 9pm and 5am as crews assemble the 600-tonne crane which will lift the new beams into place.
Chandler Highway and walking paths will be reopened each day during these closures.
As part of the $110 million upgrade, a new six-lane Chandler Highway bridge is being constructed over the Yarra River, to link up with a new six lane road, traffic lights at Yarra Boulevard and upgraded intersections.
The historic 128-year-old Chandler Highway bridge is being transformed into a walking and cycling path – an open space where Melburnians can enjoy the beautiful surrounds of the Yarra River from a new perspective.
The project will be completed by the end of 2018.
Quote attributable to Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews
“We’re getting on with building a better Chandler Highway Bridge, which will bust congestion and improve traffic flow between Melbourne’s inner east, south and north.”
Quote attribute Luke Donnellan, Minister for Roads and Road Safety
“We know disruptions are frustrating – but crews will be working through the night to get this important work done as quickly as possible.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020