MalmsburyReservoir OutletTower BridgeMalmsbury Reservoir OutletTower Bridge

NBRS was engaged by Coliban Water to provide heritage advice regarding a truss bridge that provides access to the outlet tower at Malmsbury Reservoir.

The truss bridge was identified as structurally unsound in 2018 which in turn has restricted access to the reservoir tower. Since the outlet tower contains a functioning guard valve and actuator, the poor condition of the bridge is not only a risk to the conservation of historic fabric, but its condition presents an OHS risk in accessing and maintaining the valve and actuator. Access to the valve and actuator is necessary to protect the water supply to the surrounding areas. NBRS with GHD engineers and Coliban Water worked closely together to develop a feasible proposal that would balance conservation objectives with structural and operational requirements.

NBRS prepared a Heritage Impact Statement to accompany the planning permit application for the works. In 2023 Heritage Victoria granted a permit for the repair and rehabilitation of the bridge. NBRS was appointed by Coliban Water as the nominated heritage conservation consultant for the works.

We developed a methodology that prioritised the retention and conservation of all salvageable fabric. The final proposal involved the temporary removal of the bridge in four sections; transportation to an off-site facility for conservation treatment; repair of salvageable fabric and like for like replacement of unsalvageable fabric; and reinstatement of the bridge in its original configuration. The bluestone abutment and foundations will also be reinforced to ensure the longevity of the structure.