Wednesday, 25 July 2018

Two Gippsland bridges on the Princes Highway have been upgraded to increase safety and productivity for heavy vehicles travelling on this important freight route.

Little Moe River Bridge and Morwell River Floodplain Bridge have been strengthened to support heavier vehicles, part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $3.4 million Strong Bridges, Stronger Economy program.

The Little Moe River Bridge on the Princes Highway between Nilma and Darnum can now cater for larger vehicles, including A-doubles.

The bridge has been upgraded with carbon fibre strengthening on the bridge supports and a reinforced concrete bridge deck overlay. New bridge barriers and a guard fence were also installed as part of the project.

Morwell River Floodplain Bridge on the Princes Highway has also been strengthened with carbon fibre, along with four new reinforced concrete piles and enlargement of the concrete bridge pier foundation.

Four more Gippsland bridges on the Princes Highway will receive strengthening upgrades in the 2018-19 financial year under the Strong Bridges, Stronger Economy program.

Strengthening works will be undertaken on both east and westbound Princes Highway bridges that cross Commercial Road in Morwell and on the Princes Highway bridges over the SEC Railway near the Hazelwood Mine.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“Building the capacity of our state’s critical freight corridors allows us to build a stronger economy and supports our local industries.”

“The Princes Highway is a lifeline for Gippsland – these bridge strengthening upgrades will support our economy, ensuring local industry has highly efficient freight connections to markets.”