Broadway Bridge Superstructure Deck Replacement

Aerial view of the Broadway Bridge in Elwood.
Location
Cost
Milestones
- Award construction contract18 Feb 2026Construction contract has been awarded.
- Construction commencement18 May 2026The bridge will be closed to facilitate the commencement of construction.
- Construction completion18 Nov 2026Bridge will reopen to the public following completion of the construction works.
Why are we doing this?
The Broadway Bridge was built between 1905 and 1907. It had an expected design life of 100 years.
We have done detailed assessments of the bridge. We found that the bridge supports and piers are still in good condition. But the bridge support spans are not. Their steel deck structures need reinforcement works to ensure ongoing structural integrity. We have started a project to replace the bridge deck spans. The works will extend the life of the bridge.
The impact
The project will:
- increase the bridge load-limit from 15 tonnes to 28 tonnes.
- maintain the heritage integrity of the bridge
- extend the life of the bridge
- reduce the need for ongoing maintenance works.
Objectives
We want to ensure this important bridge remains safe and accessible. We also want to build infrastructure that can meet the challenges of climate change.
This project will achieve these goals and retain the loved heritage look of the bridge’s existing features as much as possible, like:
- the width and length of the bridge
- cross-sectional parts such as asphalt laneways for vehicles and bikes
- pedestrian footpaths and handrails.
The project offers potential to improve pedestrian and bike riding in line with the principles of the Move, Connect, Live Strategy 2018-28.
The project designs were completed in 2025, with construction to follow in 2026.
Latest update
The construction contract was awarded in February 2026. Construction is scheduled to commence in May 2026 and is expected to take approximately six months, with completion anticipated in November 2026. During this period, Public Transport Victoria (PTV) bus services along Broadway are expected to be temporarily detoured via Barkly Street.