Pedestrian overpass installed as South Geelong station facelift takes shape

A 600-tonne crane was needed to haul a 47m high pedestrian overpass into place, as South Geelong station’s redevelopment takes shape. WATCH THE VIDEO

A 600 tonne crane and workers have hauled a pedestrian overpass into place, as South Geelong station’s redevelopment takes shape.

The 47m, 80-tonne overpass was lifted into place above the rail line by a 600-tonne crane on Wednesday morning.

The overpass will provide a link to the new second platform, with work continuing on lifts and ramps to make the overpass fully accessible.

Built by Sutcliffe Engineering in Hallam in Melbourne’s east, the overpass was delivered in six pieces in early October and assembled on site.

South Geelong station pedestrian overpass going in. Picture: supplied/Christian Pearson

Several local businesses were involved in its assembly.

Associated Rigging supplied cranes to lift and connect the six pieces together, and Geelong Roofing installed the roof.

Three new station canopies – manufactured in Corio by Hanlon Industries – have also been installed at the station to provide shelter for passengers on the new platform.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens said it was “exciting” that so many Geelong businesses were involved in the project.

South Geelong station pedestrian overpass going in. Picture: supplied/Christian Pearson

“I’d like to thank people for their patience while important works continue to deliver the pedestrian overpass – just one part of the new modern and accessible station,” she said.

South Geelong is not the only station to get a facelift.

The works mean commuters will have to take the bus on parts of the Geelong and Warrnambool lines until Sunday, November 19.

At Marshall station, commuters will soon have an enclosed waiting room, and lift shafts have been installed.

Work is also progressing on the embankments that lead to the new rail bridge over the Surf Coast Highway, with rail to be added to the new structure next year before the level crossing is removed.

The South Geelong to Waurn Ponds duplication will enable five train services per hour during the peaks and three per hour between the peaks on weekdays at Marshall and Waurn Ponds stations when the project is finished next year.

More information on the project can be found at regionalrailrevival.vic.gov.au/geelong

Originally published as Pedestrian overpass installed as South Geelong station facelift takes shape