Warburton and surrounds

Designs finalised to repair and reopen the O’Shannassy Aqueduct's Dee Slip Bridge

After engaging a team of engineers and expert consultants, we have finalised a design to repair and restore visitor access along Dee Slip Bridge on the much-loved O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail in the Yarra Ranges National Park on Wurundjeri Country.  

The repairs will keep to the original design of the bridge and retain as much of the existing timber as possible.  

We are replacing the existing timber deck and handrail like-for-like to maintain its heritage value. We will also add steel girders to remove structural reliance on deteriorating timber. 

The repairs will also replace the existing timber crossheads with steel sections and install new supports at either end of the bridge. 

During the planning process, we consulted Forest Fire Management Victoria to ensure that their emergency access needs are met. 

Construction timelines and next steps 

We undertook a tender process during June. After an evaluation period, the decision to award the construction contract will be made in August.

Construction will begin during spring 2025 and we expect that the project will be complete in early 2026.

Access along the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail 

The bridge remains closed to the public and barriers have been put in place to keep the community safe. The temporary bypass track should be used by the public prior to the construction period. 

To ensure a safe and efficient construction period, there will be no access over the bridge or via the bypass track. To support heavy vehicle activity and the transport of materials, partial closures of the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail will be required between Dee Road (West) and Sussex Street (East).  

East of Sussex Street, access along the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail will remain unaffected.  

You can find out the latest access information by checking the change of conditions on the Yarra Ranges National Park page on the Parks Victoria website. 

We thank the community for their ongoing patience throughout the project. 

Stay up to date

For more information about the project and to subscribe for updates, visit the Parks Victoria website below.