Bridges

As a part of an ongoing overall strategic plan to improve High Productivity Freight Vehicles and tram access to the Victorian road network, the Victorian Government committed funding for the strengthening of four tram-road bridges in Melbourne to increase the load capacity and maintain operational levels of service for critical modern low floor trams and heavy vehicles. The Glenferrie Road Bridge is located over Gardiners Creek in Hawthorn and was constructed in 1891 comprising three masonry arch spans with a total length of approximately 25 metres. The bridge was subsequently widened in 1921 with a reinforced cast in situ concrete T-beam structure to facilitate the expansion of the electric tram network.

The High Street Bridge is located over Merri Creek in Northcote and was constructed in 1875 comprising two brick barrel arches with a total length of approximately 45 metres and subsequently widened to its present width in 1890 to facilitate the expansion of the electric tram network. The Glenferrie Road Bridge and Orrong/Malvern Road Bridge are located over the Caulfield railway line in Armadale and were two of multiple grade separations constructed as part the expansion of the railway from two to four tracks, from Caulfield to South Yarra in 1914 comprising a steel rail in deck design. Successful delivery of these critical projects required the Department of Transport (DoT) to manage complex stakeholder interfaces, whilst managing the investigations, strengthening designs, procurement, and construction. DoT worked closely with Yarra Trams (the franchisee who operate the light rail network) to minimise disruptions to their operations and to general traffic in these busy urban locations.