The Victorian government says the new bridge will help improve freight productivity and safety in the area
The Victorian government has announced that a new freight bridge has opened on Girgarre-Rushworth Road between Stanhope and Rushworth that it says will boost connectivity and reduce travel times for the region’s farmer and freight operators.
The new bridge crosses the Waranga Western Channel and allows heavy vehicles of more than 42.5 tonnes to return to Girgarre-Rushworth Road thanks to a $4.9 million investment from the Victorian government.
“Work is now complete on a new and stronger bridge on Girgarre-Rushworth Road that will reduce travel times for heavy vehicle drivers travelling in northern Victoria,” Victorian freight minister Melissa Horne says.
“Freight keeps our economy moving, providing industries and consumers with access to the products they need and want and it connects Victorian producers with the rest of Australia.”
The Victorian government says there is no load limit on the new bridge, which will make it easier for drivers travelling to and from major dairy company Fonterra’s plant in Stanhope.
Crews have also construced new abutments to support the new bridge, installed safety barriers on the approach to prevent run-off-road collisions and constructed new sections of road leding up to the bridge.
The Victorian government says the works will provide safer and smoother journeys for all road users for years to come and support population growth in the area.
“We’ve delivered a much-needed new bridge, slashing travel times for our region’s farmers and freight operators and making local roads safer,” Northern Victoria member Jaclyn Symes says.
The previous bridge was built in 1977 and had a load limit of 42.5 tonnes in place due its declining condition.
The freight sector contributes $21 billion to the economy each year and employs 260,000 Victorians.
The Victorian government says it will continueto support freight operators, producers, exporters and importers to get their products and produce moving safely and efficiently. It says it also aims to build a safer and more connected freight network.