VicRoads redesigns new bridge at Moggs Creek

VICROADS has responded to significant community concern and reshaped its plan to replace the bridge at Moggs Creek.

As part of the joint federal and state government funding package for the Great Ocean Road, VicRoads proposed in September to build a new bridge next to the existing one.

However, nearby residents opposed the “straighter” design of the new bridge (so the original bridge could stay open during construction) and its environmental impact on the area.

VicRoads and Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson co-hosted a community forum to discuss the bridge and other road issues at the Aireys Inlet Community Hall on Saturday.

“We heard you guys loud and clear about that proposal, so over the past few months we’ve been trying to develop a new solution to try to build a new bridge but in the same spot,” VicRoads south-west regional director Mark Koliba said.

The new design will see a temporary one-way bridge installed for six months while the original bridge is replaced, one half at a time.

Mr Koliba said VicRoads was obliged to consider climate change in its infrastructure, so the new bridge would be about 800 millimetres higher.

He said plans were not yet finalised and the new bridge was at least a year away, with construction probably not starting until Easter 2019.

Some concerns have already been raised about the new design, including the introduction of a pedestrian refuge and what kind of lighting will be installed.

Aireys Inlet and District Association president Charlotte Allen said her group wanted to explore the possibility of no lighting at all.

“Maintaining the night sky down here… for AIDA, it’s one of our key objectives.”

Ms Henderson said she had taken concerns from the community to VicRoads, and congratulated the road authority on its response.

“I think the new design of the bridge is a big win for the community.

“Clearly, some more work needs to be done, but I think the changes have been received very well.”