General News
18 August, 2024
Inspections give highway bridges safety clearance
THE integrity of two major Calder Highway bridges has been confirmed after inspections by the Department of Transport and Planning. However, the department said follow-up checks will be made later this year on the Loddon River bridge at Bridgewater...
THE integrity of two major Calder Highway bridges has been confirmed after inspections by the Department of Transport and Planning.
However, the department said follow-up checks will be made later this year on the Loddon River bridge at Bridgewater and the Bul-a-Bul Creek bridge 3km north.
A spokesperson said: “As part of our planned maintenance program, we regularly undertake inspections on roads and bridges across the state – this includes the Loddon River and Bul-a-Bul Creek bridges which were inspected in February.
“Assessments undertaken on the structures found no maintenance or repairs were required. Damaged signs were replaced on the Loddon River bridge in February 2024.
“Neither the Loddon River and Bul-a-Bul Creek bridges were damaged in the October 2022 weather events. There are more than 9000 individual structures spread across Victoria’s road network, including more than 3200 bridges, 2700 culverts, 1200 major sign structures and 1060 retaining walls.
“Each of these structures undergo inspections on a regular basis, with a range of tests applied to assess their durability, safety and the need for any urgent repairs.”
Meanwhile, department contractors have finished tests of bitumen near the Loddon River bridge.
“Pavement testing involves removing a small section of the road surface and its base to assess criteria including safety, performance and durability,” the department said.
“This testing helps us to determine what sort of vehicles can use this section of road, and plan for future works.”