Bridges
- Publication no: ABC2025-161-25
- Published: 27 June 2025
- PDF (free) Download
The North-East Link (NEL), the largest road project investment in Victoria’s history, will complete the missing link in Melbourne’s orbital freeway by connecting the Eastern Freeway to the M80 Ring Road, linking key growth areas in the north and south-east. The SPARK consortium will deliver the Tunnels Section of the works, which includes the construction of twin 6.5 km tunnels with new interchanges and upgrades to accommodate tunnel off and on-ramps. The project also involves various civil infrastructure such as cut and cover structures, bridges, noise walls, flood walls, retaining walls, and associated above ground structures. Additionally, it will provide tunnel systems, intelligent transport systems, tolling infrastructure, and new green bridges, alongside the creation of a North-East Trail network with extensive walking and cycling infrastructure.
A key centre piece for the project is the Yarra Link Green Bridge (YLGB) in Bulleen, which will carry the new shared use path over Bulleen Road and the NEL carriageways, connecting the Koonung Creek Trail to Bulleen Park while supporting major urban design and landscaping features at the Southern Portal of the tunnels. This new green bridge will serve as a landmark and a definable entry to the southern portal, enhancing connectivity by linking the Koonung Creek Trail to Bulleen Park and improving public open spaces. It will also provide a physical land bridge across Bulleen Road for residents, local schools, and Bulleen Park user groups. Additionally, the bridge will minimise the infrastructure footprint of the southern portal and its associated ventilation structure by integrating them beneath landscaped areas, reinforcing the principle of Caring for Country.
This paper will explore the complex challenges and interfaces involved in the design of the Yarra Link Green Bridge, which necessitated innovative solutions to achieve the desired urban design and landscape outcomes for the Southern Portal area, while also delivering significant construction and operational benefits.