Students take in new Echuca-Moama bridge project

Roughly 12ha of bush was cleared from the Victoria Park precinct as part of the project, with the students comparing the project against their curriculum around sustainability principles.

This includes efficiency of resource use, conservation of biodiversity and ecological integrity.

MRPV (Major Roads Projects Victoria) program director Eric Shegog said it was an exciting opportunity for the project team to show the environmental aspects of the build to the students.

“Sustainability is a key priority for the Echuca-Moama Bridge Project team and each stage has been designed with the protection of the local environment and delicate riverside ecosystems in mind,” he said.

“The team was thrilled to be able to show the students how each stage of the project has been sustainably designed while also ensuring safe, reliable journeys for road users.”

The project was designed to create minimal impact on the local environment and has undergone multiple changes in the design process to further protect trees and allow for re-purposing and re-using of timber where possible.

“The main span of the new bridge over the Murray River is being built using a balanced cantilever box girder construction method which spans over the entire river, meaning no construction works will take place in the water,” Mr Shegog said.

“This minimises impacts to the river and aquatic habitat.

“Mulched timber is being used as part of the landscaping and, as part of the project’s Threatened Species Habitat Improvement Plan, logs have been turned into more than 450 habitat hollows in Victoria Park and along the Campaspe River to provide shelter and protection for local wildlife.

“In addition, hundreds of trees are being replanted.

“Recycled plastic green pipe is being used where appropriate, waste concrete and steel is being recycled, and topsoil cleared during construction is being reused during landscaping.”