The Avon River rail bridge is part of a $530 million Gippsland Rail Line upgrade announced by Mr Chester when he was Minister for Transport and Infrastructure.
Mr Chester was able to secure the funding as part of an historic announcement, being the first time the Federal Government has invested directly in Gippsland rail infrastructure.
“Upgrading the Avon River rail bridge will improve reliability of the local service and trains will be able to travel faster than the current 10km/h speed limit on the existing bridge,” Mr Chester said.
“The $95 million project is part of the $530 million Gippsland Rail Line Upgrade, which will deliver improvements to passengers along the entire line.
“As Minister I was able to secure $86 million from the Federal Government toward the $95 million Avon River Bridge replacement. In addition, I was able to announce $418 million from the Federal Government to the Gippsland Rail Line Upgrade, with the Victorian Government committing $17 million.
“Importantly, the $530 million package of work will create hundreds of jobs in Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley, and more frequent train services to and from Melbourne.”
