Projects

Myrtlebank-Fulham Road bridge strengthening works

We’re improving safety, access and efficiency by strengthening Thomson River Bridge and Stirling Bridge (crossing Lavers Creek) on the Myrtlebank-Fulham Road in Myrtlebank. These works form part of the alternative truck route around Sale which is being planned in conjunction with Wellington Shire Council.

Project status:

Underway

Update – July 2024

Strengthening works on Thomson River Bridge and Stirling Bridge (crossing Lavers Creek) are expected to start in August 2024.

The bridge strengthening works will include:

installing additional piles to the bridge pier and abutment foundations (Thomson River Bridge only)
strengthening of the existing bridge foundations
bridge deck strengthening
asphalt resurfacing of the bridge deck, and
upgrading of bridge barriers and approaches.

This project will strengthen the two structures so that freight vehicles including B-Doubles can use the route. Larger freight vehicles are currently prevented from using this option as they exceed bridge load limits.

These trucks must travel through central Sale which increases travel times while reducing freight efficiency.

This $6.28 million project is funded through the Australian Government’s $316 million commitment to upgrade the Princes Highway Corridor in Victoria and will cater for the region’s growing population and modern freight vehicles.

Works are expected to be completed by early 2025.

Traffic impacts

We understand roadworks can be disruptive and have made every effort to minimise the impact to road users.

Both bridges will remain open to traffic and to keep everyone safe, a 40km/h speed limit will be in place at times.

Lane closures will be in place with traffic controllers and temporary traffic lights on site during the day and at stages throughout the night to help road users travel safely through the area.

Please look out for changed traffic conditions and allow extra time when travelling through the area.

We will provide advance notice on any traffic changes as the project progresses.

Thank you for your patience as we deliver this important safety project.

Protecting our environment

Environmental approvals for these works have been obtained and as part of our commitment we will not be working in the waterways during the Australian grayling fish spawning season. There will be no trees removed as part of the project.

Other ways we are protecting vegetation and wildlife include:

Appropriately qualified and experienced personnel will be on site to identify and relocate any fauna as necessary immediately prior to vegetation removal.
No Go Zone fencing to protect vegetation and native fauna habitat identified to be retained.
Works on Waterways permits and water quality monitoring of Thomson River and Lavers Creek.

Overview

The Thomson River Bridge and Stirling Bridge are similar in construction and were constructed in 1980 and 1981 respectively by the Shire of Maffra.

The bridges provide a crossing over Thomson River and Lavers Creek for traffic on the Myrtlebank-Fulham Road which is currently maintained and managed by Wellington Shire Council. Both bridges were widened around 1998 and have two traffic lanes (one in each direction).

The project is funded through the Australian Government’s $316 million commitment to upgrade the Princes Highway Corridor in Victoria and will cater for the region’s growing population and modern freight vehicles.

Sale Alternative Truck Route

We’re working with Wellington Shire Council to plan intersection upgrades, improve roads and strengthen bridges along the proposed Sale Alternative Truck Route to provide a safer and more efficient journey.

For further information see our Alternative Truck Route, Sale project page.