A NEW dual-lane Breakaway Bridge is a step closer. Following years of advocacy, Murrindindi Shire Council has secured funding approval for a safer and more resilient long-term solution. The contract awarded by council to Nelmac Pty Ltd is now ready to commence. The new bridge will replace the flood-damaged crossing with a safer dual-lane connection, restoring a critical transport link for residents, visitors, emergency services and local businesses while removing the need for traffic lights that would have been required under the previously funded single lane bridge replacement option. The bridge will have a raised deck level to improve flood resilience and will be repositioned to the eastern side of the existing bridge to improve its alignment within the road reserve and provide safer approaches at either end of the bridge. Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said securing approval for the dual-lane bridge had been a major focus for Council since the October 2022 flood event. “From day one, Council has been focused on securing the best long-term outcome for our community, with a bridge that is safer, more resilient and fit for purpose,” Cr Gallagher said. “The original funding arrangements would have resulted in a single-lane bridge controlled by traffic-lights. “Council successfully advocated for a dual-lane replacement because it provides a safer, more practical and more resilient outcome for the community.” “We are pleased that work can now move ahead on a bridge that will improve safety, resilience and connectivity for local residents and visitors alike.” The bridge has also been designed to accommodate a future shared walking and cycling path should funding opportunities become available. Nelmac will first construct a temporary driven pile bridge beside the existing bridge to use as a working platform during construction. Cr Gallagher said the construction method offered both environmental and practical benefits. “Compared with a traditional rock ballast platform, this approach will minimise impacts on the river environment and help construction continue more efficiently as river levels naturally rise and fall throughout the project,” Cr Gallagher said. Site preparation works are expected to begin in October 2026. Once the temporary working platform has been installed, the existing timber bridge will be removed, and construction of the new bridge is expected to commence in December 2026. Construction is expected to take approximately 10 months. The bridge is expected to be open to traffic in late 2027, subject to weather, site and river conditions and ongoing cultural assessments. Cr Gallagher said the project represented an important milestone in the municipality's flood recovery journey. “We know the Acheron community has been waiting a long time to see this project move forward and we thank residents for their patience,” Cr Gallagher said. “This project demonstrates the value of continued advocacy. By working with funding agencies to revisit the original proposal, council has secured a safer, more resilient and more practical bridge that will serve the community for decades to come.” Council is also exploring opportunities to repurpose timber salvaged from the existing bridge, with further information to be provided once options have been assessed. In the coming months, council will invite the community to share ideas for potential projects, with feedback helping to identify future funding opportunities and possible new uses for the timber. Council’s project team will host a community information session on Wednesday, October 21 from 5.30 pm at the Alexandra Shire Hall. The session will provide an update on the project, outline the bridge design and construction program, explain the next steps and give community members an opportunity to ask questions and speak directly with the project team. Keep up to date on the project by visiting council’s website at murrindindi.vic.gov.au/breakawaybridge
