Repairs to Wingham’s Cedar Party Creek bridge have now been completed, while pile splicing continues on Diamond Crossing Bridge on Mooral Creek Road. The program of works will roll-out over coming months, with crews soon moving on to Norwood Lane Bridge in Mt George and Possum Brush Bridge number two.

The bridge repair works come off the back of an intensive assessment program conducted soon after last year’s amalgamation, targeting the region’s ageing timber bridge network.

“From the review, we’ve pinpointed those bridges that require repair or replacement, and others where load limits will be introduced or reduced”, explains Daniel Park, manager operations (north).

“The merger has delivered significant savings to date, of which $700,000 will be diverted to the bridge maintenance program”.

Bridge crews from across the region have come together to undertake the complex and often high risk work that involves strengthening the structure of the bridge from underneath.

“In many cases, we’re able to reinforce or replace the piles that support the timber girders and deck, considerably extending the life of the bridge”, Mr Park said.

“Load limits have been reviewed as part of our schedule, so motorists should keep an eye out for newly introduced or changed limits which are currently being applied as an interim measure until the repairs can be undertaken,” he said.

The bridge maintenance program complements an additional road resealing program currently being undertaken, both part of MidCoast Council’s $30 million commitment to improving local roads and bridges through merger funding and savings.