Construction of the overpass will begin midyear and is expected to be complete by October.

The works will largely take place after hours and on weekends. The nine-tonne footbridge will likely be fitted in to place on a weekend, the project’s architect said.

VicTrack manager government and stakeholder relations James O’Brien said heritage advisers were engaged during the planning phase.

“We’ve taken advice through the process, we’ve had heritage advisers on board as part of the process,” he said. 

“We feel it’s in line with the heritage values of the precinct.”

Mr O’Brien said the construction works would have a minimal impact on the operation of the station and rail services.

The overpass includes lead-up ramps and lifts on both platforms, allowing more services to run from platform 2.

Once the overpass is complete, works will be planned to improve the passenger waiting area, bus interchange and taxi area. VicTrack is liaising with the City of Greater Bendigo to redesign the car parking at Bendigo station.

The platform at Eaglehawk Railway Station will be extended by 100 metres and 60 new car parks will be added. Those works will also begin in the coming months.

The projects at Bendigo and Eaglehawk stations have a total cost of $15.8 million.

Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said the initial works were aimed at making Bendigo station more accessible, and allowing Eaglehawk station to accommodate an increase in passengers.

“We’re in a fantastic heritage building, but it does have its limitations when it comes to helping people in a wheelchair, people with mobility challenges, parents with prams or pushers, it is a difficult station to navigate,” she said.

“This first stage of works will be making this a more accessible station with the construction of ramps and also the installation of lifts here at Bendigo station.”

Ms Allan said the adjoining VRI Bowling Club would not be impacted as a result of the works.

VicTrack held a number of community consultation sessions last year, including a session which discussed a long-term view of Bendigo station.

Ms Allan said while it was important to consider car parking constraints, there were other ways to improve the public’s access to the station.

“One of the important ways to address that is encouraging people to catch the bus to the train station,” she said.

“That’s why, as part of the work we’re doing to improve our bus services in Bendigo, we’re linking them through the train station to encourage people to catch the bus, and then the train, and leave the car at home.”