Restoration of viaduct for East Gippsland Rail Trail underway
The East Gippsland Rail Trail from Bairnsdale to Orbost formally ends at Burn Rd, Newmerella, just 2km short of the old station site near the Snowy River. That gap is about to close as the historic Snowy River Viaduct which crosses the flood plain is returned to use for walking and cycling.
On 21 September, 2024, a gathering of several Orbost locals met at the Burn Rd car park to hear about progress on the restoration of the viaduct.
Thanks to the persistent efforts of a small group of locals over the last five years and with money from several sources, what was only a dream 25 years ago is becoming a reality. The sagging trestle structure is now being levelled, and decaying timber piles repaired using locally sourced timber. A ‘floating’ pathway of perforated synthetic decking will be laid above the original bridge timbers to provide safe and comfortable access for walking, cycling and mobility visitors for years to come.
Handbuilt during WW1 and closed to train traffic in the mid 1980s, this outstanding example of timber railway bridging will be known as the Railway Viaduct Trail, extending the East Gippsland Rail Trail and creating a ‘must visit’ tourism attraction for Orbost.
The photo below is a view of the repaired southern end of the viaduct where it emerges from bushland at Newmerella onto the sweeping vista of the flood plain. The Princes Hwy bridge in the background follows a curving route which mirrors that of the former railway bridge.
More News
In the Spring 2024 edition of Connections, Jeff Nolan, RTA Southeast Queensland Representative, explores the developme...
Missed out on a seat at the 2024 Rail Trails Conference? You can still join us for a walk or ride on the Warby Rail Trai...
The vagaries of Melbourne’s weather continue to hamper progress on the massive Yarra Valley Trail project, but the loc...
The Ringwood to Belgrave Trail has made it tantalizing close to the Melbourne suburb’s bustling railway station after ...
We’re inviting you to attend what may be the largest gathering ever of rail trail volunteers and supporters at our...
The East Gippsland Rail Trail from Bairnsdale to Orbost formally ends at Burn Rd, Newmerella, just 2km short of the old ...
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) released its draft Great Ocean Road Regional Trail Strategy 202...
In March 2024 Rail Trails Australia reported that the City of Greater Bendigo (COGB) Council had put out the draft O’K...
The Adelaide Hills Council is interested in hearing from the Adelaide Hills Community and those who use the bike infrast...
On the 3 September 2024 the Detailed Design and costing for the Bethania to Logan Village Rail Trail (part of the Bethan...
Campaspe Shire Council recently awarded Northern Construction Group the contract to build approximately 10km of gravel c...
On 2 September, a very excited and proud Castlemaine Maryborough Rail Trail (CMRT) group celebrated the exciting announc...
The Great Victorian Rail Trail runs from Tallarook to Mansfield in Victoria’s High Country, with a branch line to ...
The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) have been working on the 7km section of the Atherton Tablel...
The Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils in NSW is made up of the ten local councils that cover the entire Hunter regio...
Volunteers of all ages have planted over 20,000 trees and shrubs along the popular Gippsland Plains Rail Trail (Victoria...
Calendar of Events
See upcoming eventsNews Archives
Receive Our Free Email News
Stay up to date with the latest news about Rail Trails with our free email news.
Register for news updatesFeatured Articles
More News
In the Spring 2024 edition of Connections, Jeff Nolan, RTA Southeast Queensland Representative, explores the developme...
Missed out on a seat at the 2024 Rail Trails Conference? You can still join us for a walk or ride on the Warby Rail Trai...
The vagaries of Melbourne’s weather continue to hamper progress on the massive Yarra Valley Trail project, but the loc...
The Ringwood to Belgrave Trail has made it tantalizing close to the Melbourne suburb’s bustling railway station after ...
We’re inviting you to attend what may be the largest gathering ever of rail trail volunteers and supporters at our...
The East Gippsland Rail Trail from Bairnsdale to Orbost formally ends at Burn Rd, Newmerella, just 2km short of the old ...
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) released its draft Great Ocean Road Regional Trail Strategy 202...
In March 2024 Rail Trails Australia reported that the City of Greater Bendigo (COGB) Council had put out the draft O’K...
The Adelaide Hills Council is interested in hearing from the Adelaide Hills Community and those who use the bike infrast...
On the 3 September 2024 the Detailed Design and costing for the Bethania to Logan Village Rail Trail (part of the Bethan...
Campaspe Shire Council recently awarded Northern Construction Group the contract to build approximately 10km of gravel c...
On 2 September, a very excited and proud Castlemaine Maryborough Rail Trail (CMRT) group celebrated the exciting announc...
The Great Victorian Rail Trail runs from Tallarook to Mansfield in Victoria’s High Country, with a branch line to ...
The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) have been working on the 7km section of the Atherton Tablel...
The Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils in NSW is made up of the ten local councils that cover the entire Hunter regio...
Volunteers of all ages have planted over 20,000 trees and shrubs along the popular Gippsland Plains Rail Trail (Victoria...
3 comments on “Restoration of viaduct for East Gippsland Rail Trail underway”
So pleased to see the old trestle under restoration. I look forward to travelling with my bike from Ballan to Bairnsdale…by V/Line of course as soon as it's completed and once again riding the trail (third visit)stopping over at Bruthen and for a few days at the quirky motel on the highway at Orbost.
Mike, if you have a spare day, and you haven't been, try a 15km (each way) trip to the quaint seaside village of Marlo.
Cheers
I think that there's going to be unexpected, but welcome publicity when motorists on the nearby Highway catch a glimpse of cyclists riding on the adjacent Railway Viaduct Trail. Tourists and travellers might be lured into Orbost to investigate. Could be an opportunity for a bike hire business as well. Any word on anticipated completion date?