O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail Dee Slip Bridge Project
Project status: Complete
This project was delivered on Wurundjeri Country.
The Dee Slip Bridge in the Yarra Ranges National Park is now repaired and fully reopened to the community.
Following extensive works that began in November 2025, the bridge has been restored to ensure safe access for pedestrians, cyclists, and management vehicles. The project successfully preserved the heritage value of the 1947 timber trestle structure while integrating modern steel supports for long-term durability.
Last updated: April 2026
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The restored Dee Slip Bridge
Current access
Full access has been restored along the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail. The previous closure between Dee Road (Millgrove) and Sussex Street (Warburton) is now lifted.
Project background
The Dee Slip Bridge is a timber trestle bridge spanning a section of the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail in the Yarra Ranges National Park. The bridge was constructed in 1947 after the aqueduct collapsed and the force of the water flow created a large hole in the side of the embankment. For many years the bridge was used as access to both the aqueduct and the walking trail.
The bridge was closed to vehicles in 2017 after engineers determined it to be nearing the end of its useful life.
In 2021, the bridge was damaged when a large pine tree collapsed onto it. To keep the community safe, access to the bridge has since been closed and a new temporary bypass track on the low side of the bridge has been created for public use in the interim.
Project funding
The Dee Slip Bridge project is part of the Asset Regeneration Program, a $24.76 million investment by the Victorian Government to remove unsafe infrastructure and repair or replace assets across Victorian parks.
Staying updated
Go to the Yarra Ranges National Park page for the latest park updates and visitor information.
Related information
News November 2025: Repairs to start shortly on the OShannassy Aqueduct Dee Slip Bridge
November 2025: Community update
News July 2025: Parks Victoria to repair and reopen the O’Shannassy Aqueduct Dee Slip Bridge
July 2025: Community update
FAQs
Why was the Dee Slip Bridge closed?
A 2017 engineering assessment of the bridge determined the structure was nearing the end of its useful life. The bridge was then closed to vehicles and remained a pedestrian and cycle bridge.
Another engineering assessment was undertaken in 2020 and recommended minor maintenance and long-term closure once the asset reached the end of its lifecycle.
In 2021, a large pine tree fell and hit the bridge causing further damage. The bridge was closed until an engineer assessment was carried out in April 2021. This assessment concluded that the bridge was unsafe and should remain closed to the community.
After engaging a team of engineers and expert consultants, Parks Victoria settled on a final design that restored visitor and management vehicle access across the bridge and preserved its heritage values.
What works were conducted to repair the bridge?
Parks Victoria isrestoring access along, and preserving the heritage of, the Dee Slip Bridge by:
- Replacing the existing timber deck and handrail like-for-like to restore the heritage value of the design, in accordance withAustralian standards.
- Adding steel girders to remove structural reliance on deteriorating timber log beams.
- Keeping the existing timber log beams where possible for heritage value.
- Replacing existing timber crossheads with steel sections where necessary.
- Extending and supporting the end spans to by installing new abutments at either end of the bridge.