Residents and businesses of Moira Shire are facing persistent challenges due to the ongoing weight restrictions on McCoy’s Bridge along the Murray Valley Highway. This bridge, a crucial component of the national highway system, has been under restricted use since its closure during the October 2020 flooding event.
The bridge was exposed to fast-moving floodwaters during the 2022 flood event, raising potential structural and foundational issues.
The current weight limit, recently increased from 20 tonnes to 40 tonnes, still falls short of accommodating B double trucks. This ongoing limitation is significantly impacting local industries and transportation while posing inconvenience and safety concerns for road users.
While acknowledging the Department of Transport and Regional Roads Victoria’s efforts in inspecting and monitoring the bridge’s condition, concerns have arisen regarding the delay in its full reopening.
John Tanner AM, Chair Administrator Moira Shire Council reiterated that Council and community appreciate the ongoing efforts to assess the bridge, however he noted that the prolonged weight restrictions are causing considerable disruptions to our community.
“We are seeking more information and transparency about the restoration timeline and plan to bring the bridge back to its full operational capacity,” said John Tanner AM, representing the residents and businesses of Moira Shire.
To address these concerns, Moira Shire Council has written to The Hon. Melissa Horne, Minister for Local Government and Roads and Road Safety on behalf of the community requesting an up-todate briefing on the current status of the bridge, the necessary steps for reinstating it to full capacity, and a timeline for completion.
The Moira Shire Council will continue to advocate for attention and consideration given to McCoy’s Bridge and look forward to working collaboratively to resolve the challenges posed by the ongoing weight restrictions.
