4 April 2018 - Media release
Two more bridges across the Shire of Campaspe have had restrictions put in place following receipt of detailed bridge inspections.
Deputy Mayor, Cr Vicki Neele said routine inspections were completed on bridges across the shire earlier this year. A specialist bridge engineer has then been engaged to complete a more detailed inspection on a number of bridges.
“Campaspe Shire is in an usual position of owning 64 bridges, some 50 or more years old,” Cr Neele said.
“Routine inspections identified a number of issues across the bridge network with a specialist engaged to complete a full audit.”
In March a load limit was placed on Raglus Bridge, south west of Rushworth, reducing the weight limit to three-tonne, down from 20-tonne.
Recent inspections on Grogans Bridge, west of Colbinabbin and McEvoy Bridge, south west of Rushworth, have now resulted in a limit restriction and a bridge closure.
A five-tonne load limit has been placed on Grogans Bridge, a small timber bridge over a land depression on Grogan Road, west of Colbinabbin.
“This bridge is a single lane bridge and caters for a very small volume of traffic. The weight limit keeps the bridge open, however restricted for local community use.”
McEvoy Bridge on Peter McEvoy Road, crossing the Cornella Creek at Cornella, south west of Rushworth, has been closed.
“This bridge is again timber, single lane and caters for a very small volume of traffic,” Cr Neele said.
“Due to the poor condition of this bridge, with beams splitting and rotting, it has been immediately closed.”
Council has attempted to contact all those potentially impacted by the bridge restrictions, including local residents and emergency services.
“The restrictions have been put in place to ensure public safety. Council staff will now review options available for these bridges and start discussion with the community,” Cr Neele said.
“As further detailed inspections are received, further bridges across our shire may be impacted in the future.”