Pollocksford Road bridge to close after warnings ignored

POLLOCKSFORD Road bridge in Gnarwarre has been shut down until further notice due to necessary repairs, with traffic now being rerouted along Merrawarp Road.

This decision comes after heavy vehicles continued to ignore previously set three-tonne load limits and 10 km/h speed restrictions, posing a significant risk to the bridge’s safety.

Surf Coast Shire general manager of placemaking and environment Chris Pike, expressed his reluctance to close the bridge.

“We really would prefer not to close the bridge as we know it will be disruptive for those that use it regularly,” Pike said.

“We apologise for the inconvenience but we can’t gamble with people’s safety.”

The councils of Surf Coast Shire and Golden Plains Shire, who share jurisdiction over the bridge, are currently evaluating repair options.

“We’re working through the options to repair the bridge as quickly as we can and once we know construction timelines, we’ll let people know,” Pike said.

In response to the closure, McHarry’s, the company responsible for school bus services along Pollocksford Road, has developed a new route for Term 2.

Affected parents have been informed about the changes to ensure minimal disruption to students’ commutes.

The councils say they are committed to restoring access as swiftly as possible and will communicate updates as they become available.