Moira Shire Council is pleased to announce the opening of the new Bourkes Bridge on Murray Road, Nathalia, to the public, as construction works on a second new bridge in the shire continue to progress well.
The new Bourkes Bridge replaces the original timber composite bridge constructed by the former Shire of Numurkah in the early 1950s, which had reached the end of its serviceable life.
The upgraded structure is rated for B-double traffic, removing the previous 6-tonne load limit that had restricted heavy vehicle access, and has been raised to improve water flows during flood events and reduce upstream flooding impacts on the surrounding area.
Council's construction contractor, Murray Constructions, is now progressing works on the new Bartrops Bridge on Griffiths Lane, Kotupna, with new bridge beams being placed this week.
The new Bartrops Bridge is scheduled to open before the King's Birthday long weekend in June.
Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM said the bridge upgrades were a vital investment for the communities they serve.
"These works are vitally important for our community - not only for local residents and freight operators, but critically for emergency response vehicles that rely on safe and unrestricted access to these areas," Dr Emonson said.
"Replacing ageing infrastructure with modern, fit-for-purpose bridges ensures our communities are better connected, more flood resilient and safer for everyone who travels these roads."
The combined $2.9 million project has been jointly funded through the Federal Government's Bridges Renewal Program and Moira Shire Council.
