WANGARATTA motorists’ long wait is almost over, with the Green Street bridge to open for traffic Thursday morning. Authorities were doing a final inspection of the new bridge structure on Tuesday (pictured), ahead of the highly anticipated reopening of one of the city’s main traffic thoroughfares. Inland Rail construction partners McConnell Dowel confirmed they will be removing traffic barriers to allow the flow of traffic and pedestrians over the rail line for the first time since January. Inland Rail needed to replace the bridge and lower the railway tracks to create the required clearances for the safe passage of double-stacked freight trains. The tracks were realigned and lowered by 2.8 metres, and the central pier of the old bridge was removed and the new bridge built in the same location. The bridge structure is made up of two 50-tonne main girders, 15 three-tonne cross girders and 50 concrete transfloor sections, and was assembled onsite and lifted into place in September. Ed Walker, Inland Rail delivery director Beveridge to Albury, said the opening of the Green Street bridge is another step forward for the $10b Inland Rail project, which will bolster rail freight from Melbourne to Brisbane. Mr Walker thanked local residents, council and businesses for their support, patience and understanding. He said the rest of the railway station precinct at Wangaratta is to be completed next year.
