Federal funds to improve four bridges

BRIDGES in the Colac Otway and Golden Plains shires will be replaced or upgraded through federal government funding.

Last week, Corangamite Liberal federal member Sarah Henderson announced the four projects that had successfully applied to the Bridges Renewal Program, which provides up to 50 per cent of the cost of repairing or replacing old and unsafe local bridges.

The four projects are
• Golden Lake Road Bridge, Piggoreet: $300,000 to replace a 5 tonne load limited timber bridge with an unlimited load concrete bridge
• Wall Bridge, Stones Road, Teesdale: $303,500 to replace a 3 tonne load limited timber bridge with an unlimited load concrete bridge
• Jacksons Track over Lardners Creek East: $107,200 to replace a degraded timber bridge; and
• Upper Gellibrand Road over Gellibrand River: $185,800 to replace a degraded timber bridge.

“Making sure ageing bridges are replaced is just another part of our plan to invest in the region’s road safety and help get people home sooner and safer.

“Replacing old timber bridges with better concrete bridges ensures that important regional road links are safer, more reliable and more efficient.

“I am pleased that two bridges in Golden Plains have received funding under this round and I look forward to seeing this investment make a positive difference for those travelling along Golden Lake Road, Piggoreet and Stones Road, Teesdale.

Golden Plains Shire will also contribute to these important works.

“Road users in Colac Otway will benefit from the replacement of Jacksons Track over Lardner’s Creek East and Upper Gellibrand Road over Gellibrand River, also co-funded by the Colac Otway Shire.

“The Morrison Liberal Government is committing $640 million for vital bridgeworks between 2015-16 to 2022-23, with an ongoing commitment of $85 million each year following.”