Bridge opens
Motorists will be able to cross the Daveys Road Bridge safely and securely following an upgrade to the structure.
Hourigan Walsh Pty Ltd constructed the new 22 metre span concrete bridge that runs over the Latrobe River about 1.5km north of the intersection of Daveys Road and Old Sale Road in Willow Grove.
The upgrades have seen the removal of weight restrictions for the bridge, which previously could not carry heavy vehicles such as school buses, milk tankers and fire trucks.
The $711,00 project was jointly funded by Baw Baw Shire Council and a grant from the Federal Government’s Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development Bridges Renewal Programme.
Baw Baw Shire mayor Joe Gauci said the previous bridge structure had reached the end of its useful life and was no longer safe for road users.
“Trucks servicing local farms, school buses and even emergency vehicles have previously faced lengthy detours and delays avoiding the old bridge, as they all exceeded the safe load limit,” he said.
“This critical project has now improved access for heavy vehicles resulting in productivity gains for agricultural and commercial operators, while dramatically improving safety for all road users.
“The new bridge will future proof farming along Daveys Road, allowing the regions road users to operate without lengthy detours and delays.
“Farming and agriculture are one of the most important aspects of our shire, particularly so here in Willow Grove.
“As a council, we are committed in doing everything we can to help and support the agriculture industry and all in our community who are part of it.”
Construction for the project began in November 2016 and was completed last month.
Cr Gauci acknowledged the many years of advocacy and planning by many people to see the new bridge in place ready for use.
Federal Member for McMillan Russell Broadbent said the upgrade had delivered a safe and secure bridge for heavy commercial vehicles, local farmers and the community.
“Before the upgrade, there had been a number of safety issues regarding milk tankers and other heavy vehicles having to conduct hazardous U-turns on Daveys Rd,” he said.
“This is an example of the Australian Government investing in transport infrastructure to better connect people and communities, helping us to get goods to market and creating business efficiencies.”