Moira Shire Council is pleased to announce the awarding of the tender for the design and construction of Bourke’s Bridge and Bartrop’s Bridge in Nathalia.
Bourke’s and Bartrop’s bridges, among the last remaining wooden bridges within the municipality, are set to be replaced due to their deteriorating condition and inability to meet current service demands. Both bridges are currently under a 6-tonne load limit, underscoring the need for replacement.
Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM stated that “this essential infrastructure is a vital part of daily life for many residents, including heavy vehicle operators who rely on these crossings as part of their regular travel.”
“Our community depends on these bridges every day, even more so during busy harvest periods, and it is crucial that they are safe and functional. We are committed to ensuring that these bridges will meet the needs of our community now and into the future,” said Dr Emonson.
In 2021, Moira Shire Council received a $2.182 million grant from the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Communications under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program to partially fund this project.
The replacement works for both Bourke’s Bridge and Bartrop’s Bridge are scheduled to take place over the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 financial years.