By KATH GANNAWAY
STAGE two of the dismantling of the historic Woori Yallock bridge is scheduled to begin later this month.
VicRoads Director of Operations, Michael Barker, thanked motorists last week for their co-operation during diversions as demolition of the main structure was carried out in June.
The 90-year old bridge which went out of service in 2003 when it was replaced by a new bridge, was classified by the National Trust in 2011 as of historic, technical, social and aesthetic significance at a regional level.
One of the most challenging aspects of the job was the removal of huge steel beams that were made in Great Britain and have stood the test of time.
The beams will continue their contribution to bridging gaps in the ‘Mother Country’ as part of the Yarra Valley Railway (YVR).
YVR Vice President, Brett Whelan said the donation was another great example of how the railway could utilise items that might be otherwise considered of no useful purpose.
“We have very clear examples of the railway using beams that have come off old railway and road bridges,” Mr Whelan said.
Five sections of bridge beams that have been fully restored by YVR volunteers will be lifted into place later this year at the Tarrawarra Abbey and Tarrawarra Estate bridges.
Mr Whelan said beams that had been in place for 60, 70 or 80 years, if kept maintained could last more than a couple of lifetimes.
Thanking VicRoads for the donation, he said they were one of a number of large organisations and companies, including Telstra and Ford Australia who were involved in volunteering and other aspects of supporting the railway.
“Everybody seems to be behind the railway being rebuilt and we need, and are grateful for, all the help we can get with surplus materials,” Mr Whelan said.
It is anticipated that work to complete the removal of the Woori Yallock bridge will take place around the end of August or early September and will once again require road and lane closures during daytime hours on the Healesville Kooweerup Road.
