The Australian Government has announced $100 million for the repair or replacement of 164 bridges around the country as part of its Bridges Renewal Programme.
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said 270 applications were received from local councils, with 141 being successful.
“We understand that local government has responsibility for thousands of local bridges, many of which are in a poor state of repair. Some councils face critical bridge issues beyond their capacity to address," he said.
“The Bridges Renewal Programme is designed to bolster the productivity of Australia's local bridges to better serve communities and give councils the support they need to drive greater efficiency in road freight and traffic movement.”
The Minister said, by upgrading these bridges, residents will enjoy better, safer and more reliable road access.
"Freight from farms and local factories will also be able to pass more safely along quicker routes, improving their productivity. It's a win-win situation," he said
“The Australian Government's financial commitment of $100 million in this round of the programme will be matched by local councils and/or State governments, delivering a total investment of at least $200 million towards upgrading bridges. This funding is in addition to the Australian Government's $111 million committed under Round One of the Programme.”
The single biggest investment was for the Eunony Bridge just east of Wagga Wagga in NSW, which will receive $4.9 million to help replace the existing bridge with one capable of higher loads.
Other notable projects include the replacements of the Cherwell Creek bridge between Clermont and Moranbah in central Queensland, the Castle Carey Road bridge near Glenormiston North in the Corangamite district of Victoria, Bridge 270 near Boyup Brook in the southwest of WA, and the London Street Bridge in Port Lincoln, South Australia.
The Eunony Bridge in Wagga Wagga is set to be replaced. Photo: Bidgee