Reconstruction for Yarragon bridge

A single lane timber bridge in Yarragon is set to get a major overhaul with an $820,000 rebuild.

Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded a contract to Jarvis Norwood Constructions for renewal works on the Roberts Rd bridge.

A report to council said the main objective of the project was to improve the level of service and safety of the bridge.

"The existing bridge is no longer fit for purpose and will be demolished to make way for the new bridge.

The total cost of the project is expected to be almost $980,000. Council reallocated $117,600 surplus funds from its current capital works program to ensure there were enough funds to cover the works.

The works include a new single span, two lane vehicle bridge; reconstruction of road approaches to the bridge; installation of new bridge terminals; and construction of new rock beaching on the creek batters.

Cr Darren Wallace said the tender process was a little "under-whelming" with only one tenderer but it was a good tender from Jarvis Norwood Constructions who had a good record throughout Victoria.

He said construction materials were difficult to source and costs had increased 20 per cent across the board.

Cr Wallace said the works would see a two lane concrete bridge replacing a load limited, single lane timber bridge. "It will be one less timber bridge in Baw Baw Shire."

Cr Peter Kostos said it was great that even though the works would not begin until next year, residents that used Roberts Rd would have a safer bridge.

Cr Joe Gauci described it as one of the scariest bridges in the shire. "When you come down the hill you don't know if you will bounce off the timber."