The Viaduct Bridge in Kilcunda is an ex-railways timber trestle bridge owned by Council and has been out of service for approximately 50 years. When the structure was handed over to council, 20+ years ago, it was in very poor condition and has not been maintained since. The structure is part of council’s on-going inspection schedule but is only inspected for safety hazards and does not inform a maintenance program.

June 2025 Update

Following in depth review of engineering reports, Council has determined the 3 possible treatments for the bridge. Officers have presented these options to Council at the June 4^th briefing. Council is expected to table a decision at the July meeting.

Council’s engagement and communications team have begun preparation for community engagement based on the outcome of council’s decision.

Council recreation and arts team are drafting potential options for the future of the site.

February 2025 Update

Multiple independent Engineering assessments have been completed regarding the condition of the Kilcunda Viaduct bridge, with strong recommendations that Council should close the area off to community this week. The bridge is at risk of further collapse, and Council will be closing off the site off with fencing and barriers, based on these engineering recommendations. Council’s number one priority is to ensure the health and safety of our residents and visitors, and by closing the area off we can reduce the risk for potential harm.

Council is committed to keeping the community informed during this process, so follow this page to stay in the loop.

August 2024 update

During routine council inspections, significant instabilities were identified at the Kilcunda Unused Viaduct Bridge. Following a risk assessment, Council have appointed a bridge engineer to undertake further inspections and related reporting.

The report concluded, the bridge's northern most span has collapsed, and the southernmost span is at immediate risk of collapse. Decay throughout the bridge has progressed significantly since the last engineering inspection in 2021.

Based on the bridge engineer's advice, council have restricted access to the bridge's base with temporary fencing. The bridge approach are the sections most at risk and the community must not access these areas. At this time, the center section of the bridge, with safety mesh, remains stable and is safe for continued throughfare.

The engineer's report highlighted the need for further investigation and design work to be carried out on the bridge to provide council advice on available treatment options. Council have requested that the engineer explore the following 4 options as a minimum at this time.

Option 1- Complete Demolition.

Council may completely demolish the failed bridge structure. This option would eliminate all risks associated with an unstable bridge accessible to the public. Removal of the structure may offer opportunity for future site activation.

Option 2- Exclusion Fence.

Council may erect a significant exclusion fence. The fence would be more than 2m high and needs to be impenetrable. This option's focus will be public safety and will impact "views" surrounding the bridge.

Throughfare from Kilcunda Ridge Road to the Bass Coast Rail Trail via the reserve would no longer be possible. Council will explore the addition of a pathway joining the south end of Kilcunda ridge road, west bound to the rail trail.

Option 3- Replica Structure.

The design and construction of a replica structure was explored as strengthening/ rehabilitation of the bridge is no longer possible. Council may demolish the bridge and begin the 12-month design process for a replica structure. Detailed design work is required to determine the exact scope and develop an accurate costing. Construction costs are unknown but similar projects are in the $800,00 to $2,000,000 range.

Heritage Status

A heritage assessment was completed by an external consultant. At this time the bridge does not appear on the heritage register nor is it included in a heritage overlay.

What's next?

Council officers will submit a Council Report in order to table a decision at the July meeting.

Council will engage with the community based on the outcomes of the Council Decision.

A treatment will be programed into the capital works program.

Council officers will continue to develop designs for future activation of the site.

All updates on the progress of this project will be communicated through this page. Please consider subscribing to Engage and following this project to receive notifications as information becomes available.