📋 Tender Overview
The Allan Labor Government is restoring the historic Dee Slip Bridge in the Yarra Ranges National Park making it easier for walkers cyclists and emergency vehicles to access the OShannassy Aqueduct Trail near Warburton Acting Minister for the Environment Lily DAmbrosio today announced plans to repair and reopen the bridge with work will start this spring and the bridge expected to reopen in early 2026The repairs will preserve the heritage of the bridge by following the same design and retaining as much of the existing timber as possible A new timber deck and handrail will be installed along with new horizontal steel beams to ensure the structure is durable and safe for visitors to crossThe bridge was constructed in 1947 after the aqueduct collapsed and the force of the water flow created a large hole in the side of the embankment For many years it has been used to access the OShannassy Aqueduct and the 30kmlong walking trail alongside it which runs from East Warburton to the Don ValleyIn 2021 the bridge was damaged when a large pine tree collapsed onto it To keep the community safe access to the bridge was closed and a new temporary bypass track on the low side of the bridge was created for public use in the interimThe repair of the Dee Slip Bridge is part of the Asset Regeneration Program a 2476 million investment by the Allan Labor Government to remove unsafe infrastructure and repair or replace assets across Victorian parksQuotes attributable to Acting Minister for Environment Lily DAmbrosioThe Dee Slip Bridge and the OShannassy Aqueduct Trail are popular with the local community and visitors from all across Victoria repairing the bridge and restoring access along the trail is a great outcome Well continue to invest in our national parks and their visitor facilities because we know how important they are to regional communities and our visitor economyQuotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jac SymesThe repairs of the Dee Slip Bridge will restore the OShannassy Aqueduct Trail for all visitors to walk along and enjoy the local heritage of Warburton Parks Victoria explored all the possible options for the bridge and Im thrilled they will be able to keep the trail open and protect the heritage of the bridge so future generations can enjoy the trail
