Rabl Park Community Meeting Update

Published on 18 August 2023

Rabl Park Bridges and Paths Update
Yarriambiack Shire Council Councillors and staff met with Murtoa residents on Tuesday 15 August to update the community on the status of the Rabl Park bridges. ROSS Planning also joined the meeting to present the draft Rabl Park Master Plan to the community.

Council’s presentation confirmed that the bridges in question are made from copper chrome arsenic treated timber (CCA). Bridges of this material are to be monitored until they reach the end of their useful life.

Safety concerns were raised regarding the timber structures. Due to this, as a precaution, the bridges were closed. We immediately engaged, both a limited building inspector and a level 2 bridge inspector to assess the bridges. Significant safety issues with the bridges were identified and have led to the decision to remove the bridges.

Prior to the community meeting, Council had constructed a walking path on the northern end of the park near the highway that provides an alternative solution to the northern bridge.

During the meeting Council staff proposed works to replace the southern bridge with a box culvert structure. For ease of construction 1200x1200x900mm box culverts would be used. A standard pedestrian path width is 1.5m and 2m for a shared path, similar to Rabl Park’s existing pathways. The proposed structure would be a shared walkway width of 2.4m. Custom handrailing and abutments would be installed by council and contractors.

The proposed box culvert structure would last a lifetime and be significantly more cost-effective than the quoted $250,000 to replace the two bridges. The proposed structure could withstand vehicle crossing if required in an emergency. This alternative solution will ensure safety is maintained for all pedestrians and park users. This solution can be implemented in a short timeframe that will reduce the safety issue of pedestrians walking along the road at the southern end of the park.

Council would like to thank our Southern Works Supervisor Heath and his team for being proactive and implementing a solution in the northern end to address the bridge closure and Manager Infrastructure and Works Joel for working to find an alternative solution as quickly as possible. It has been a team effort and Council staff continue to ensure that the recreation space is fit-for-purpose for all users.

Council can confirm that the historical old railway bridge is not being removed. Council is undertaking repairs on it, and will install two signs, highlighting the history and the steep incline / decline for pedestrian caution.

Any enquiries regarding the Rabl Park Bridges upgrade can be directed to Council on (03) 5398 0100 or info@yarriambiack.vic.gov.au.