Inland Rail removes Cusack St pedestrian bridge in Wangaratta
One of the impediments to allow double stacked trains to pass safely through Wangaratta, the Cusack Street footbridge, has been removed by Inland Rail construction partner, McConnell Dowell.
July 7, 2023
The pedestrian bridge, which came down on Monday 3 July, will be replaced with a new pedestrian underpass under the rail line.
Before cranes were set-up to remove sections of the bridge, all existing rivets at column and haunch connections were removed, existing powerlines disconnected, lights and poles removed, timber planks cut and asphalt and concrete sawcut above the columns.
The footbridge platform was divided in to East and West sections and attached to the crane’s chains before being lifted from the columns. Cranes then removed the columns holding up the platforms and the approach ramps.
Pedestrian access from Norton Street to Cusack Street will be maintained across the Docker Street footbridge during construction.
Elements of the Cusack Street footbridge’s heritage and design will be incorporated into the new underpass.
Further vegetation clearing is also taking place over coming weeks to allow for the pedestrian underpass.Green Street bridge will be closed in early 2024 for about six months, with detours in place.
Ed Walker, ARTC General Manager Victoria and South Australia Projects said
“The removal of the Cusack Street footbridge is the first major move in the Wangaratta rail precinct project.
‘Both the Cusack and Docker Street footbridges will be replaced by a pedestrian underpass and the Green Street bridge will be replaced to allow double-stacked trains to pass through Wangaratta safely.
‘We are working hard with our construction partner, McConnell Dowell to minimise the impact of works on the community.”
Caption: Timelapse of Cusack Street footbridge removal