WATTS Road bridge reopened on Monday, December 5, allowing traffic under three tonnes to use the ‘back way’ between Mooroopna and Kialla as an alternative to the Midland Highway.
Since flood waters receded from Watt Road, Greater Shepparton City Council staff and bridge engineers have been working on cleaning up debris and inspecting the bridge for structural damage.
The surface of the road approaching the bridge on either side have been repaired and the bridge deemed suitable for light vehicles only. Any vehicle of three tonnes or more must not use the bridge as it may compromise the structure and create a safety issue for other vehicles.
Greater Shepparton City Council director of infrastructure, Gary Randhawa, said under no circumstances should vehicles three tonne and over attempt to cross over the bridge.
“The bridge has been assessed as safe for vehicles under three tonne and we ask that drivers are considerate and think about their own safety plus that of other bridge users.”
“In the past, despite the signage and height restrictions, heavy vehicles have used the bridge and caused damage to the infrastructure which means closing the bridge for repairs. We do not want to be in that situation with Watt Road carrying around 5,500 vehicles a day,” he said.
Raftery Road bridge is reopened and safe for use. Toolamba bridge is still being cleaned up and assessed. Council anticipates Toolamba bridge to be open later this week, with further updates to come.
