New bridge builds complete

TWO major bridge overhauls have been completed in the Shire ahead of the Christmas period.

First off a $2.3 million upgrade to the Slate Quarry Road Bridge has finally been finished, happily bringing to an end a 20-kilometre daily detour around 25 heavy vehicles had been forced to negotiate to avoid it.

Bushland north-east of Meredith is now purported to be more accessible for emergency services as well.

The Moorabool River crossing point has been widened, has new guardrails, is no longer limited to vehicles carrying 15 tonnes or less, and the approaching road on either side, as well as drainage, have also been fixed up.

Newly minted Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Gavin Gamble thanked the Federal Government for its role in the project, after stumping up for half the costs under its $640 million Bridges Renewal Program.

“Council is pleased to have delivered the safer and wider Slate Quarry Road bridge, and council thanks the Australian Government for partnering with us on this significant project,” he said.

“Slate Quarry Road is the major link between the Midland Highway and Geelong-Ballan Road that connects many local businesses in the area.

“The new bridge will take pressure off the surrounding road network by allowing heavy vehicles access to another river crossing, and quicker access for emergency vehicles that were previously restricted by the 15-tonne limit.”

The second span completed recently was the crossing over Mount Misery Creek on Paddys Gully Road.

That project cost just under $580,000 and means that bridge is now two lanes, and now rated for heavy vehicles.

Speeds across the bridge are still at 40kph, though, with guard rials expected to be installed in January.

“The old timber bridge on Paddys Gully Road was in need of replacing, and with funding from council and the Australian Government, we’ve been able to replace the bridge was a reinforced and widened bridge to better serve the local community,” Cr Gamble said.