Lindenow-Glenaladale Road Bridge officially opened

A new $2.4 million reinforced concrete bridge on the Lindenow-Glenaladale Road has been officially opened today, Tuesday May 15 2018.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester joined Lindenow Primary School students at the bridge opening this morning, joined by some community representatives who were students at the former bridge’s official opening in 1959.

Mr Chester said the new bridge replaced an aged timber bridge and increased the weight limit from 44 to 70 tonnes.

“The new bridge is specifically designed to cater for heavy goods vehicles operating at higher mass limits, including B doubles and AB doubles,” Mr Chester said.

“The upgrade will improve flood immunity and productivity for the vegetable-growing region, with high volumes of large farm machinery and heavy vehicles using the bridge to cross the Mitchell River.”

Mr Chester said he was pleased to see a local construction company had been awarded the contract and congratulated Jarvis Norwood Constructions, based in Swan Reach, for its work.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the Federal Government had invested $1.2 million in the project under round two of the Bridges Renewal Program, while East Gippsland Shire Council matched the contribution and oversaw construction of the bridge.

“This is an example of how the Australian Government is assisting local councils to better connect communities nationwide under the Bridges Renewal Program and our record $75 billion infrastructure investment more broadly,” Mr McCormack said.

East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Joe Rettino said the Lindenow-Glenaladale Bridge provided a link to markets for local producers, who play an important role in driving the East Gippsland economy.

“This bridge is strategically important for the local farming sector and provides reliable access during emergencies such as bushfires and floods.

"We are glad the works are complete and the shire is already seeing the benefits,” Cr Rettino said.

Visit the Bridges Renewal Program website for more information on the program.

 East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Joe Rettino with Margaret Perry, who gave a history of the bridge, and Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.

 Lindenow Primary School students sign the National Anthem for the crowd, followed by a special Lindenow song.

Lindenow Primary School students check out their playground replica of the Lindenow-Glenaladale Road Bridge at the Woodglen campus. It was a gift from the bridge contractors, Jarvis Norwood Constructions, and made from timber, iron and concrete of the former bridge.

 Judy Richardson discussing the history of the Lindenow-Glenaladale Road Bridge. A pictorial display and historic newspaper articles were on display at the primary school.