Six bridges set for replacement

East Gippsland Shire Council has acted quickly to go to tender on replacing six timber bridges destroyed by bushfires.

So far, 16 bridges have been identified as destroyed, severely burnt and damaged beyond repair across the shire with a replacement cost estimated at more than $4 million.

Tenders have gone out to build replacement concrete bridges at:

·         Sunny Point Road, Buchan

·         Upper Wingan Road, Karlo Creek

·         Sandy Creek Road, Tabberabbera

·         Yalmy Road, Jarrahmond

·         Harrison Creek on Fairhaven Road, Genoa

·         Little River No2 on Fairhaven Road, Genoa

Acting General Manager Assets and Environment Mark Burnett said high priority is being given to replace key bridges impacted by the bushfires and provide access for the community.

“Bridge and other infrastructure assessments have occurred as soon as access has been available to some of the more remote locations where bridges have been impacted by fire. We are also grateful for community reports made to Council about where infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed; this has assisted in our assessments,” Mr Burnett said.

Tenders for the above-mentioned bridges close on Wednesday, February 19.

“In partnership with successful contractors, we will replace these bridges as quickly as possible. This is only some of the infrastructure replacement work that will be required following the fires,” Mr Burnett said.

Council is responsible for over 200 bridges, including 32 timber bridges, across East Gippsland.

Damaged bridge information can be provided to Sean Heinemann on 5153 9500 or by emailing [email protected]. You can also use the Snap Send Solve smartphone app to send us photographs of damaged infrastructure.

PICTURED ABOVE: The fire-destroyed Waterholes Road Bridge, north of Clifton Creek, has been replaced and is now open to traffic.