Construction update – Lake Eppalock area

Good progress is being made on the Lake Eppalock-Mt Ida Creek section of the O’Keefe Rail Trail extension project. These photos were taken during April 2014, and show sections of the associated earthworks that will form a new causeway across the lake.

Bridge approach causeway, within Lake Eppalock. A beautiful backdrop, with existing trees retained on either side of this new section of rail trail. Photo: Les Lewis

This new causeway will follow the original railway alignment, yet previously there was no lake at this section of the former railway when it was closed in 1958. With the level of the original railway ‘road bed’ being flooded by the 1960’s built lake-reservoir, and water-wave action eroding it away, now major earth works  are required. These works are to ensure that the selected route for the new rail trail section remains above the normal high water level of the lake.

A Hancock loader is being used for earthworks. Photo: Les Lewis

Construction activity on site continues, as the winter window of opportunity narrows. With the lake’s water level expected to again begin its seasonal rise in the coming 1-2+ months, it is a race against time to complete the earth filled causeway.

An April 2014 photo of the bridge construction at Mt Ida Creek. Photo Ken Hanson

While the trail bridge in this section is now nearing completion, the lake crossing area is still under construction zone conditions. Therefore the general public should not enter this area until work is finally completed, due to safety hazards, the need for site inductions, and mandatory requirement to wear personal safety equipment items. The City of Greater Bendigo Council is the project manager, and enquiries should directed to (03)54346000.