One road has reopened, while another has closed in the Surf Coast Shire following structure repairs.
Horseshoe Bend Road was reopened with regular speed limits in place at Thompson Creek Bridge on Friday, April 19, and extensive repairs to the road and bridge were completed.
Mayor Liz Pattison said works included reinstating damaged road pavement and safety barriers after the road was damaged due to repeated flooding.
“Damage to the road structure was extensive, and the repair work has factored in likely impacts of future extreme rain events,” she said.
“We acknowledge that this closure has caused significant inconveniences for community members for an extended period and thank people for their patience.
“The crossing will still operate as a floodway during peak storm events, but new construction elements will help ensure it is more resilient to water damage.”
Gnarwarre’s Pollocksford Road Bridge has been closed until repairs can be made to the bridge’s structure, with detours in place along Merrawarp Road.
Placemaking and Environment general manager Chris Pike said council apologised for the inconvenience but couldn’t “gamble with people’s safety”.
Mr Pike also said the structure was put at risk by heavy vehicles using the bridge despite a three-tonne load limit and 10km/h speed limit.
“We really would prefer not to close the bridge as we know it will be disruptive for those that use it regularly,” he said.
“We’re working through the options to repair the bridge as quickly as we can and once we know construction timelines, we’ll let people know.”
More information about Horseshoe Bend Road or the closure of Gnarwarre’s Pollocksford Road Bridge is available on Surf Coast Shire Council’s website.
