Ararat Rural City Council is pleased to announce it has signed an agreement with its delivery partner for the construction of a new, two-lane bridge on Buangor Ben-Nevis Road. This project is a key step in improving local road infrastructure and ensuring continued safe access for the community.
The new bridge will feature a precast concrete, double-span structure, similar in appearance to other recently-constructed concrete bridges across regional Victoria. Key design outcomes include a minimum 100-year life expectancy for major structural elements, compliance with SM1600 load ratings, improved flood immunity, and modern safety barriers.
Dr Tim Harrison, CEO of Ararat Rural City Council, said, "This bridge replacement represents a significant investment in the safety and future of our rural road network. We appreciate the community's patience during works and will continue to keep residents and road users informed every step of the way. These improvements will deliver a long-lasting benefit to all who rely on this key local connection."
Construction is scheduled to commence on mid October 2025, with completion targeted for late December 2025. For approximately four to five weeks from mid October, Buangor Ben-Nevis Road will be closed to all through traffic at the bridge site to ensure the safety of workers and the public. Every effort will be made to keep this closure as brief as possible.
Due to ecological sensitivities at the site, a temporary crossing will not be provided while the bridge is under construction. Council has arranged for the following clear detour options during this period:
Both light and heavy vehicles will be detoured via Ararat, with an estimated increase of 38 kilometres and 19 minutes travel time.
For updates throughout the construction period, please visit subscribe to our newsletter via Engage Ararat.
