It comes as the path of the new Echuca-Moama bridge is now in clear sight.
After months of work, all tree clearing through the area is now complete, with the bridge links on both sides of the river now clearly visible to the public, showing the path the new connection will take.
Almost 12 ha of land was cleared in the earlier stages of the project to allow for connecting roads and the bridge links.
The project is continuing on schedule, with parts of both stage three and stage four of the project now under way.
Major Roads Projects Victoria project director Eric Shegog said the largest transport infrastructure project in northern Victoria was making great progress.
”We’re pleased with the progress of works on this project, with piling for the new bridge well under way,” he said.
“We have a great team building the bridge project, which is on track for completion in mid-2022, and we look forward to constructing this vital infrastructure for the community.”
The piling process will see about 550 piles driven into the ground in order to form the foundation for the bridge.
Earthworks at the main bridge site have also begun, with more than 40,000 tonnes of soil brought in to start formation of the embankment.
Close to 400,000 tonnes of soil will be transported to the site and used as part of the project by completion, which will create the shape of the ramps at either end of the bridge.
Ongoing stage three works include new bridges over the Campaspe and Murray rivers, two additional flood relief bridges and a new walking and cycling path along the route.
“This project will make crossing the Murray and Campaspe rivers quicker and easier for locals all year round, relieving congestion and bottlenecks in the busy tourist seasons,” Mr Shegog said.
On the NSW side, relocation of underground utilities — including water, sewerage, electrical and communications — will continue, as will the completion of the under-road gas connections on Perricoota Rd.
The project, which is jointly funded by the federal, Victorian and NSW governments, will have cost $323.7 million on completion.
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