December 2024 update

Council officers are working with structural engineers to replace the deck of the bridge. These works will restore the bridge to its original purpose, so a load limit of 17 tonne will still be in place after the bridge deck has been replaced. This will allow busses and cars towing horse trailers to use the bridge again.

Large trucks will still not be allowed to use the bridge. Options are being developed to stop these trucks from using the bridge.

Once the designs are complete and a contractor has been appointed, we will share timelines for the replacement of the deck. We don't expect to have this information until March 2025 at the earliest and are hoping for construction to start in mid 2025.

We understand the bridge's extended closure has been an inconvenience for locals and we thank you for your continued patience as we worked through options.

Renewal of council assets

To plan the renewal of Council’s assets, condition audits are undertaken on a three yearly cycle to assess the condition of each asset. Council plans to renew assets at a point in their life where they are approaching, but have yet to reach, the end of their functional life. This is so that Council can get the maximum life and value from an asset but still replace it before it fails.

As the asset continues to age towards failure, this may result in increased maintenance effort to keep the asset safe for public use, however, Council will aim to continue to keep an asset functional and open unless it is felt there is a risk to the public. This only occurs rarely, however, is the current situation that has led to the closure of the Pollocksford Road bridge.

It is expected that the duration of works will be approximately 6 months from commencement date. The duration will be confirmed and shared with community following advice from the contractor engaged to deliver the works.

June 2024 update

Signage is being installed at the intersection of Pollocksford Road and Hamilton Highway, Stonehaven, and Pollocksford Road and Barrabool Road, Gnawarre, to show the bridge is closed and local traffic only along Pollocksford Road.

April 2024 update

The Pollocksford Road bridge has been closed until repairs can be made to the bridge structure. Detours are in place along Merrawarp Road.

Despite a three tonne load limit and speed restriction of 10 km/h being put in place, heavy vehicles continued to use the bridge putting the structure at risk.

McHarrys have implemented a new school bus route to around the closed bridge. All families along Pollocksford Road have been notified.

Council officers continue to work with structural engineers on next steps. Once repair timelines are known they will be communicated to all residents.

March 2024 update

Engineers conducted a structural assessment of Pollocksford Road bridge on Monday 18 March 2024 and found structural issues identified in a previous inspection had deteriorated more quickly than expected and was impacting the integrity of the bridge deck.

A speed restriction on 10km/h and three-tonne load limit has been implemented.

Pollocksford Road Bridge is on the boundary of Surf Coast Shire and Golden Plains Shire and the two councils are working closely on options.