The tender to replace the current bridge on Girgarre-Rushworth Road between Stanhope and Rushworth in Victoria is now open, with the aim to restore the key freight route for trucks and other heavy vehicles.
The new bridge over the Waranga Western Channel will replace the current bridge thanks to a $3.9 million investment from the Victorian Government.
The current bridge, built in 1977, has a load limit of 42.5 tonnes and a reduced speed limit in place due to the condition of the bridge.
The new design is set to create safer and smoother journeys for all road users.
The works will allow Girgarre-Rushworth Road to return to being a key route for freight, including drivers travelling to and from Fonterra in Stanhope.
The Victorian Government is advertising for a contractor to build the bridge with applications open for five weeks until 7 September 2022.
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll, said the Victorian Government knows how important this route is to the local freight industry, which is why it is delivering a new bridge to help keep all road users safe.
“Our first priority is to keep people safe on our roads and inspections identified that the Girgarre-Rushworth Road bridge required complete replacement to safely cater for heavy vehicles,” Mr Carroll said.
The project is funded by the Road Network Bridge Strengthening Program as part of the Victorian Government’s investment in the freight network.
The freight sector contributes $21 billion to the Victorian economy each year and employs 260,000 Victorians.
Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight, Melissa Horne, said, “We’re working to make our roads safer and ensure goods can move freely through the region, while supporting heavy vehicle drivers who are vital to our growing economy and communities.”
Victorian Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, said, “We know the local population is growing so we need to ensure we’ve the infrastructure in place to support that growth both now and well into the future.”
Girgarre-Rushworth Road is expected to be closed at the Waranga Western Channel during construction with detours in place.
Heavy vehicles over 42.5 tonnes are reminded to continue to detour via Corop, Colbinabbin, Murchison or Tatura as applicable.
A start date for construction will be confirmed following the contract award.
Works are expected to start late 2022 and finish in 2023.
The tender can be accessed at https://www.tenders.vic.gov.au/tender/view?id=239492.
