A timber bridge along Bucca Road, built in 1957, will soon be decommissioned and replaced with concrete box culverts.
Hermans Gully bridge has long been used by heavy vehicles travelling within the Bucca area and, according to Roads and Drainage portfolio spokesperson Cr Trevor, the 66-year-old structure is now approaching its end of life.
“Inspections of the structure undertaken by Council have revealed deterioration of the timber piles,” Cr Trevor said.
“Significant and ongoing work would be required to maintain the load bearing capacity of the structure into the future.
“With this in mind, the construction of new box culverts represents a safer and more cost-effective option in the long term.”
Cr Trevor said the old timber bridge would be replaced with concrete box culverts.
“This will enable continued use of the Hermans Gully crossing without the need to implement general load limits or other heavy vehicle restrictions,” he said.
“The project will also improve safety by providing wider traffic lanes/shoulders and safety barriers on the culverts and road approaches.”
The project, coming in at a total estimated cost of $2,030,000, is 80% funded by the Federal Government’s Bridge Renewal Program.
While construction takes place, Cr Trevor said a change to the area name would also be underway.
“To align with historic records of the area, the original signage name of ‘Hermanns Gully’ will be changed to ‘Hermans Gully’,” he said.
“The discrepancy was identified by Council officers during the design phase of the project and will be rectified as soon as possible.”
The bridge works will take place from mid-July 2023 and will be completed by early December 2023, weather permitting.
