By Callum Ludwig
Eildon MP Cindy McLeish has renewed her calls for the Dee Slip Bridge on the popular O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail to be replaced or repaired.
The bridge was first closed to vehicles in 2017 after an engineering assessment and closed altogether in 2021 after a large pine tree fell upon it.
Ms McLeish said surely bridge design options that have been in the works since 2021 are done.
“The Allan Labor Government needs to provide the appropriate funding to Parks Victoria so they can action design plans and replace or repair the bridge, it is getting beyond a joke,” she said.
“Locals and trail users are sick of having to climb down and under the bridge, risking their safety, they want to see the bridge opened for access again.”
The bridge, originally constructed in 1947 after the aqueduct collapsed and a large hole was left in the side of the embankment, had become a feature of the aqueduct trail even after closing to vehicles in 2017, remaining a pedestrian and cycle bridge. When assessed in 2020 before the collapse of the tree in 2021, minor maintenance and a view to long-term closure once the bridge completed its ‘life cycle’ was recommended.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said they ask the community to use the temporary bypass track while the bridge is closed.
“We’ve invested $24.76 million for Parks Victoria to remove unsafe infrastructure and repair or replace assets across their parks – this includes rebuilding the crossing at Dee Slip Bridge,” they said.
“Parks Victoria are currently looking at design options for the project – this includes geotechnical and structural analysis. Works will begin once a final option is decided.”
Millgrove resident Thomas Osburg spoke to the Star Mail about the closure of the bridge in 2022, having been a regular walker along the trail since the 1970s. Mr Osburg was concerned about the ‘stupid, dangerous steps’ he had to use down to the bypass and said they could become slippery.
Then Acting District Manager at Parks Victoria Craig Albiston also told the Star Mail in 2022 that Parks Victoria anticipated ‘starting on the groundwork in 2023.’
Parks Victoria has entered phase two of their investigations, having already had to engage a team of engineers, a team of site surveyors, a quantity surveyor, specialist approvals consultants and cultural heritage specialists due to the environmental, cultural and historic heritage assessments and approvals required before any associated works can be completed.
Visitors to the Yarra Ranges National Park can also detour to the western section of the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail from Dee Rd Picnic Ground (Millgrove) and access the eastern section from Yuonga Rd Picnic Ground (Warburton).
