Murrindindi Shire Council has secured funding approval for the construction of a new dual-lane Breakaway Bridge, following years of advocacy.
The new bridge will replace the flood-damaged crossing with a safer dual-lane connection, restoring a critical transport link for residents, visitors, emergency services and local businesses while removing the need for traffic lights that would have been required under the previously funded single lane bridge replacement option.
The bridge will have a raised deck level to improve flood resilience and will be repositioned to the eastern side of the existing bridge to improve its alignment within the road reserve and provide safer approaches at either end of the bridge.
Council has awarded the construction contract for the new bridge to Nelmac Pty Ltd.
Mayor, Damien Gallagher said securing approval for the dual-lane bridge had been a major focus for Council since the October 2022 flood event.
“From day one, Council has been focused on securing the best long-term outcome for our community, with a bridge that is safer, more resilient and fit for purpose,” Mayor Gallagher said.
“The original funding arrangements would have resulted in a single-lane bridge controlled by traffic lights. Council successfully advocated for a dual-lane replacement because it provides a safer, more practical and more resilient outcome for the community.
“We are pleased that work can now move ahead on a bridge that will improve safety, resilience and connectivity for local residents and visitors alike.”
The bridge has also been designed to accommodate a future shared walking and cycling path should funding opportunities become available.
Nelmac will first construct a temporary driven pile bridge beside the existing bridge to use as a working platform during construction.
Mayor Gallagher said the construction method offered both environmental and practical benefits.
“Compared with a traditional rock ballast platform, this approach will minimise impacts on the river environment and help construction continue more efficiently as river levels naturally rise and fall throughout the project,” Mayor Gallagher said.
Construction of the new bridge is expected to commence in December. The build is expected to take approximately 10 months, with the new bridge expected to be open to traffic in late 2027, subject to weather, site and river conditions and ongoing cultural assessments.
Mayor Gallagher said the project represented an important milestone in the municipality’s flood recovery journey.
“We know the Acheron community has been waiting a long time to see this project move forward and we thank residents for their patience,” Mayor Gallagher said.
“This project demonstrates the value of continued advocacy. By working with funding agencies to revisit the original proposal, Council has secured a safer, more resilient and more practical bridge that will serve the community for decades to come.”
