The Yarrawonga Chronicle sought to find out the exact date the bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic last week, but disappointingly the bridge’s managing authority, Murray Darling Basin Association (MDBA), could only confirm the year but not exactly when it will be closed in 2020.
With less than five months to go until the new year MDBA seem to be stalling on the exact closure date despite knowing of its intention for almost two decades.
In a statement provided by the authority it states; “MDBA and Goulburn Murray Water are working with NSW Roads and Maritime Service and Vic Roads to determine an exact closure date.
“Local councils and key stakeholders will be consulted on the closure timing. The local community will be notified of the closure date well in advance of the bridge being closed.”
It has left members of the community wondering what the comment “well in-advance” actually means with only several months to go.
Local Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said it was disappointing the MDBA cannot give the community a more definitive time of when the Yarrawonga Weir Bridge will close.
“This is all the more reason to get a new bridge funded and construction underway on the green route,” Mr McCurdy told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
“The constant delay is going to have serious ramifications for Mulwala and Yarrawonga communities.
“The people of Yarrawonga and Mulwala have spoken loud and clear and the governments in both Victoria and NSW should respect the polls conducted by local councils.
“Residents are in unison that the green route is the preferred route for these two thriving communities.
“Both local councils and the communities agree - it’s time stop the talk and put pressure on our state and federal politicians.
“We have a limited window with a Federal Coalition Government and as a regional community we cannot waste any further time. Let’s agree and get on with finding the funds,” Mr McCurdy said.
Moira Shire Council CEO Mark Henderson has already expressed concerns on how the main traffic bridge will cope with more traffic as a result of the weir bridge closure. Mr Henderson fears it could end up a one lane crossing due to safety, load limits and narrow passage on the Mulwala side.
“When the weir bridge closes to traffic in 2020 Belmore Street will be a nightmare, particularly with a big grain harvest accessing the rail loading facility on Benalla Road.
“There’s no evidence that VicRoads is making any progress on connecting the road bridge to the Murray Valley Highway via Irvine Parade,” he said.
Mr Henderson agreed that it is a possibility the main traffic bridge could potentially, after 2020, be made one lane as a result of safety issues and excess loads.
“It’s a real possibility because the report identifies bridges with the same overall carriageway width as the Yarrawonga Mulwala bridge as being one way, and they’re straight, short bridges.”
What is clear is once the weir bridge closes pressure will continue to mount on both state road authorities to move forward and build a new bridge regardless of the route.
It is believed a closed meeting between the MDBA and both state road authorities is due shortly.
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