Construction of a stronger and wider Wall Bridge in Teesdale has been completed with the new bridge now open to traffic.
The new concrete bridge replaces the existing timber structure built in 1920 spanning Native Hut Creek on Stones Road in Teesdale.
The previous Wall Bridge was a single-lane timber bridge with a three-tonne load limit that provided a link between the developed areas to the north of Teesdale to the Bannockburn-Shelford Road in the south. There is no load limit on the new Wall Bridge.
An interpretative sign has been placed on-site telling the story of the old timber Wall Bridge with a contribution by local historian Dianne Hughes.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Morrison Liberal Government’s $303,500 investment would cover half of the estimated $607,000 cost of the new Wall Bridge.
“The old wooden Wall Bridge was almost 100 years old and was nearing the end of its life. It’s important this vital structure is replaced so it continues to be strong, safe and fit for purpose,” Mr McCormack said.
Benefits of the new bridge include improved safety for road users and increased bridge load. The new bridge will also deliver improved safety for pedestrians as the proposed new single-lane bridge includes a 1.5m wide footbridge on one side with a safety rail.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said thousands of vehicles travelled over the Wall Bridge each year, with traffic volumes expected to grow.
“We’re replacing ageing infrastructure to ensure that the road is safe and reliable not just for now, but for many years to come,” Senator Henderson said.
“I am pleased that there is also new interpretative signage that celebrates the history of the 99-year-old wooden structure that stood prior to the installation of the new concrete bridge.”
Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said the council was pleased to have partnered with the Morrison Liberal Government to deliver a safe, sturdy bridge that will serve the growing community of Teesdale for the next 100 years.
“Replacing local infrastructure that’s reached the end of its life is important and the new concrete bridge is an improvement for all road users with a dedicated footbridge for pedestrians and safe passage for heavy vehicles including emergency vehicles to take the fastest route to their destination,” Cr Sharkey said.
This project received $303,500 in funding from the Morrison Liberal Government under Round Four of the Bridges Renewal Program. The Federal Government grant of $303,500 was matched by Golden Plains Shire Council.
17 March 2020