Repairs to the Wattle Street bridge and installation of a new separated pedestrian path.
Wattle Street bridge repairs
The City of Greater Bendigo is planning to undertake a $1.4M project to repair the historic Wattle Street bridge across the Bendigo Creek and install a new separated pedestrian path. This will involve a full closure of the bridge while works are underway.
The Wattle Street bridge was originally constructed in 1915 and is an early example of bridges built with reinforced concrete beams, a technology that is still being used to this day.
The repair works are required because the bridge’s southern barrier was damaged in an accident and needs to be replaced. However, attaching a modern compliant barrier to an historic bridge requires extensive strengthening to the bridge deck.
The work will also include the installation of a new, separated pedestrian path as there is currently no pedestrian access across the creek. This should especially prove beneficial to Girton Grammar students and their families during school pick up and drop off times and nearby residents wanting to safely cross the bridge.
Project works
The works will include:
- Removal of existing asphalt pavement and existing barriers
- Strengthening of the bridge deck with carbon fibre reinforcing to support the new bridge barriers
- Installation of new barriers
- Installation of a new pedestrian path which will be bolted to the side of the existing bridge to support a new concrete deck widening
- Construction of new approach footpaths to link up with the new pedestrian path across the creek
- Installation of new asphalt pavement
This project requires a full closure of the bridge with work planned to commence in late January 2025 with an expected completion by June 2025.
Traffic arrangements while works underway
The project requires a full closure of the bridge while works are underway.
Creek Street North (school side) will remain open. However, Creek Street South between Wattle and Short Streets will be closed at the Wattle Street end.
Signage and detours will be in place for the duration of the project.
Works timeline
Funding
This $1.4M project is being funded entirely by the City of Greater Bendigo.