Tenders close next week for the construction of a new bridge across the Timbarra River, north-west of Buchan.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester last month announced more than $678,000 in Federal Government funding towards the cost of the new bridge.
“I was able to secure money from the Federal Government under the Bridges Renewal Program to replace the old bridge across the Timbarra River on Timbarra Road,” Mr Chester said.
“The replacement of the Timbarra River bridge is an important investment in our local rural roads and bridges. Not only will the new bridge improve safety for drivers, it will also help to improve efficiencies for heavy vehicles needing to access this area.”
The current timber bridge has a 25 tonne load limit and will be replaced with a steel and concrete bridge built to current standards.
East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Natalie O’Connell said the council would manage the project.
“This bridge is one of Council’s priority bridge renewal projects,” Cr O’Connell said
“This contribution from the Federal Government is timely and will enable work to replace the bridge to get underway before the end of the year.”
A number of bridges in East Gippsland have already been replaced through the Bridges Renewal Program, including the bridge over the Buchan River on the Buchan-Orbost Road, and the bridge spanning the Mitchell River on the Glenaladale-Lindenow Road.
Tenders to replace the Timbarra Road bridge close on June 5 at 12pm.