Greater Shepparton Council Director Infrastructure Phil Hoare said “The bridge was closed yesterday when it was identified that some decking had become loose and needed to be fixed to ensure the bridge remained safe. Council will be again closing the bridge tomorrow to continue and complete this work.
As the bridge approaches the end of its life the requirement for maintenance closures has increased. We understand that some within the community would like to see the bridge replaced immediately, however the design and planning for a replacement bridge such as this takes many years and is a major cost. Council has allocated funding in the current financial year to begin the process of detailed design and planning of a replacement bridge. To ensure that the bridge remains functional and safe until its ultimate replacement these maintenance activities are essential.
“Council was recently successful in its application under the Bridges Renewal Program Round 5 for funding to undertake significant remediation works to the bridge to ensure it is accessible until its replacement. Last year Council successfully completed similar remedial works to the Toolamba Bridge, returning it to its design load limit. The remediation works that will occur towards the middle of 2021 are part of our asset management strategy for this critical piece of infrastructure and are in line with its ultimate replacement, subject to funding, within the next 10 years.”
