Heritage bridge gets overhaul

WORK has commenced on a temporary bridge over the Yarra River at East Warburton.
The bridge is a stop-gap while the Hazelwood Road Bridge undergoes a $480,000 overhaul. The temporary bridge will be ready later this month.
Shire of Yarra Ranges O’Shannassy Ward councillor Monika Keane said the existing bridge, which was more than 70 years old, would be reconstructed to achieve a look similar to its timber trestled heritage look.
“The bridge will be constructed using more durable components, including a concrete deck and steel railings, without compromising its character or that of the local area,” Cr Keane said.
Cr Keane said it was expected to take four weeks once work began to finish the job and added that the new bridge would have a higher load limit.
The bridge will be rebuilt with $153,000 from the Shire of Yarra Ranges and $326,000 from the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery program.