Melbourne Water will deliver a much needed new bridge over the Maribyrnong River as part of a major pipeline project.
The pipe bridge will link trails on both sides of the river, enabling a rideable connection between Avondale Heights to the north and Braybrook and Maidstone to the south.
A major bonus will be the creation of an additional 300 metres of shared path along the river frontage of the Medway Golf Course, extending the concrete shared path already constructed on that side of the River by the City of Maribyrnong through to Freshwater Crescent in Maidstone.
This will remove the golf course as a barrier to bike and pedestrian access along the south side of the river, and should eventually result in a route from the west through to Highpoint Shopping Centre.
The project is currently in the design and construct tender stage, due to be awarded in June this year.
Geotechnical investigations, cultural heritage assessments, and flora and fauna surveys have been completed.
Detailed design is expected to be complete in September 2021, with construction beginning soon after to take another two years.
The new pipe bridge will be located about 200 metres east of an existing water main pipe crossing. That crossing is narrow and difficult for riders to access.
It is anticipated that there will be disruption to local trails during construction of the new sewer connection and pipe bridge.
There may be reduced access to the Maribyrnong River Trail in some locations, with temporary diversions in place for riders and pedestrians around construction areas.
Stay tuned for further information later in the year.