Ranges Trader
Tuesday, 15 March, 2022
Red rattler returns to the track
Donations raised for flood victims
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Mail SPOTLIGHT: New photo exhibit opens in Emerald PAGE 12
A Star News Group Publication
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Pieces of history By Parker McKenzie
Three cranes were used during the repairs.
The bridge was lifted so replacement pieces could be fitted into the structure. Pictures: GARY SISSONS
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Repairs to the famous trestle bridge used by the Puffing Billy at Selby.
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The heritage-listed Puffing Billy Railway Trestle Bridge received repairs this week to replace aging pieces of the famous structure. Built in 1899, the bridge is located over Monbulk Creek on Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Selby and was a significant technical accomplishment when it was built as a part of the Ferntree Gully to Gembrook train line. The bridge is one of the most photographed areas of the Dandenong Ranges, appearing on postcards, paintings and photographs. The works were carried out by Membrey’s, a transport and crane service, on 9 March. Crane and projects manager for Membrey’s Roy Wallace — who was on the scene to supervise the project — said major upgrades of crossbeams and uprights were completed. “Basically we had to lift the bridge on one end and take the weight off the bridge on a section of the pier, then we pulled out two crossbeams and replaced them, including one upright,” he said. “It went a little bit longer than we thought because we had issues getting the upright in, but at the end of the day we’ve got a 100-tonne crane and a 40-tonne crane up on the road there and a 13-tonne crane down below.” The bridge reaches as high as 11 metres are some areas and is made from a timber girder. It was extensively repaired during the early 1980s, with the oldest beam found currently still in use dating back to 1914. Mr Wallace said the work was sensitive because of the significance and heritage listing of the bridge. “When we lifted the bridge we had to make sure the lower piers and uprights were supported and they wouldn’t fall over when we lifted the bridge,” he said. Continued page 2
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