SteamRanger Heritage Railway Bridge Upgrades

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (the Department) is undertaking remediation and upgrade works on five key rail bridges along the SteamRanger Heritage Railway line between Victor Harbor and Strathalbyn. These critical works will ensure the long-term structural integrity of the bridges and the safety of SteamRanger passengers and staff. The $8.9 million project is funded by the South Australian Government and will be undertaken over the next two years.

SteamRanger crossing the Currency Creek Viaduct, Currency Creek

Background

The SteamRanger Heritage Railway line runs between Mount Barker and Victor Harbor, supporting regional tourism and carrying over 70,000 passengers per year on services that include the popular Cockle Train. The Australian Railway Historical Society South Australia operates services on the SteamRanger Heritage Railway, which is administered by the Department for Environment and Water (DEW).

Recent engineering assessments concluded that remediation and upgrade works are required on five rail bridges at the following locations:

Currency Creek
Watsons Gap
Hindmarsh River
Tookayerta Creek
Finniss River

Works will involve repairs to the bridge’s stonework, masonry, piers and concrete surfaces to ensure their long-term structural integrity and safety.

The Department is working with SteamRanger Heritage Railway to ensure that impacts to services are minimised as much as possible. Advance notice will be provided to the community of any schedule impacts.

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Project Timing

Works are expected to commence in mid-2024, with completion expected in mid‑2025 (weather permitting).

Further Information

To find out more about the project or register for future updates, please contact the project team at the following: