The Watt Road bridge will open from 7.00am on Monday 5 December to vehicles under 3 tonnes who want to use the ‘back way’ between Mooroopna and Kialla as an alternative to the Midland Highway.
Since the flood waters receded from Watt Road, Council staff and bridge engineers have been working on cleaning up debris and inspecting the bridge for structural damage. The surface of the roads approaching the bridge on either side has been repaired and the bridge deemed suitable for light vehicles only.
Any vehicle of 3 tonnes or more must not use the bridge as it may compromise the structure and create a safety issue for other vehicles. Greater Shepparton City Council Director Infrastructure Gary Randhawa said under no circumstances should vehicles 3 tonne and over attempt to cross over the bridge.
“The bridge has been assessed as safe for vehicles under 3 tonne and we ask that drivers are considerate and think about their own safety plus that of other bridge users.”
“In past despite the signage and height restrictions, heavy vehicles have used the bridge and caused damage to the infrastructure which means closing the bridge for repairs. We do not want to be in that situation with Watt Road carrying around 5,500 vehicles a day,” he said.
The Raftery Road bridge is opening at 3.00pm and is safe for use.
The Toolamba Bridge is still being cleaned up and assessed and we anticipate for the bridge to be open late next week. Further updates on Toolamba Bridge will be provided next week.
