Drysdale bypass bridge and underpass take shape

WORK on the Drysdale Bypass has reached another milestone, with construction of the new rail overpass and pedestrian underpass underway.
Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville toured the project site on Monday where the arches of the Bellarine Railway overpass have been put into place.
The 25-metre long arched overpass is designed to match the area’s rural and historic landscape and, once complete, will feature a split stone finish.
The rail overpass is comprised of 24 pre-cast concrete segments that will be lifted into place by two cranes, before being bolted and bound together with concrete.
Work has also started on a new pedestrian underpass linking the township of Drysdale with the education, arts and sporting precinct on Peninsula Drive.
The underpass will create safer access for students entering the busy precinct, and forms part of the 6-kilometre shared user path that will be built as part of the project.
“It’s exciting to see the Drysdale Bypass taking shape – this $117 million project is going to transform the way people travel through the area,” Ms Neville said.
“The overpass and underpass have been designed to incorporate the community’s extensive feedback and will create a safer road network for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.”
More than 150,000 trees, plants and ground coverings native to the Bellarine will be planted along the alignment to enhance the roadside reserves and conserve animal habitats.
The new Drysdale Bypass will give local roads and streets back to local drivers, boost safety and ease congestion through the heart of Drysdale by diverting hundreds of trucks off High Street each day.
More than 11 per cent of the 20,000 vehicles which travel through Drysdale daily are heavy vehicles.
Once the new bypass is open, it is anticipated half of these trucks will be diverted from local roads, improving safety for local drivers, pedestrians and cyclists while enhancing the amenity and community feel of Drysdale.
The $117 million Drysdale Bypass stretches 6km from Jetty Road to the north of Whitcombes Road and is the biggest road infrastructure project on the Bellarine Peninsula.
The project is being delivered by Major Road Projects Victoria and is on track to be completed in 2020.