Key bridge works funded

Published on 13 May 2019

Two bridge replacement programs outlined in Gannawarra Shire Council’s 2019/2020 Proposed Budget will proceed thanks to a financial contribution from the State Government.

Council will received $816,333 from the second round of Regional Roads Victoria’s Fixing Country Roads program to support the replacement of bridges along Appin South Road and Quambatook-Boort Road.

A $423,333 contribution to the $635,000 replacement of the Quambatook-Boort Road Bridge will enable the current bridge that spans the Avoca River to be replaced with a two-lane concrete structure that will be able to withstand higher mass limits.

“The replacement bridge will provide an efficient, safe and effective first and last mile transport route for producers, including reducing the number of required heavy vehicle movements and travel times, thereby meeting required freight demands to processing facilities,” Director of Infrastructure and Development, Geoff Rollinson said.

The State Government’s $393,000 contribution to the $1.179 million Appin South Bridge replacement program complements the recent Federal Government announcement of a $589,500 grant from the fourth round of the Bridges Renewal Program.

“With a width of six metres, the current structure is effectively a single lane bridge. Furthermore, the bridge is degrading quickly, and is estimated to have only nine years left of life before it becomes unusable,” Mr Rollinson said.

Stage one of the Appin South Bridge replacement project, as well as the Quambatook-Boort Road Bridge works, form part of Council’s $10.567 million Capital Works program outlined in the 2019/2020 Proposed Budget.