A tender is currently open for specialised professional engineers to complete a structural investigation of Kirwans Bridge.
Council allocated $100,000 in the 2022/23 Budget for the investigation which will seek to understand of the bridge’s condition and enable Council to make the right considerations for the bridge’s future.
Council has worked alongside residents who make up the Kirwans Bridge Community Panel for the past year. The panel provides considerable input into options regarding the future of the bridge.
Strathbogie Shire Mayor Cr Laura Binks said the input from the panel was invaluable.
“The panel has received advice from heritage and engineering experts who also provided input into the tender documentation,” she said.
“Council is grateful for the panel’s commitment to help us find the right solution so that we can ensure this historical bridge, which is highly valued by the local community and further afield, stays operational into the future.
“We know this is an important project that is close to the community’s heart and that is why Council has undertaken a comprehensive engagement process which draws on the panel member’s local knowledge and expertise.”
Kirwans Bridge Community Panel Chairperson Darren Lyons said the panel continued to engage as widely as possible throughout the community and with other key stakeholders to ensure the right outcome for the bridge.
“Issuing the tender is another key step forward for this project and it will be important to engage the right specialist engineer,” he said.
Due to the current three tonne limit set on the bridge, reconstruction works to Weir Rd, Kirwan’s Bridge, will begin soon, weather permitting, which will provide a suitable alternative route for heavy vehicles.
Tender applications for the structural investigation of the bridge close in six weeks.
