Painting of the new Old Calder Highway road bridge is underway as part of the final phase of structural works on the level crossing removal in Diggers Rest.
This is part of the removal of two level crossings in town.
Over the coming weeks, painting of the Old Calder Highway road bridge’s retaining wall and support structure will continue.
During consultation, the community chose warm, natural tones that reflected the area – as well as textured walls in a nod to the rocky landscape that is a feature of the local environment.
Painting on the wall on the west side of the new road bridge was completed in April.
Work is also underway to paint the giant piers supporting the bridge structure and road barriers along the bridge’s edge.
With most of the structural work now completed, crews will turn their attention to finalising the east and west approaches to the bridge, asphalting, and installing new bus bays for Diggers Rest station.
Work is also continuing at Watsons Road.
The Old Calder Highway bridge will permanently separate trains and vehicles, aiming to improve safety and easing congestion in the heart of Diggers Rest.
A raised bike path will also be built to provide cycling access across the bridge.
When it opens to traffic later this year, crews will then turn their attention to closing Old Calder Highway at the level crossing, truncating the road on the eastern side, and building a new community space with landscaping and new vegetation.
The Watsons Road bridge will include a separated pedestrian path, preparing the road for the residential growth expected for Diggers Rest’s north in the future.
