Projects

Myrtlebank-Fulham Road bridge strengthening works

We’ve improved safety, access and efficiency by strengthening both the Thompson River and Stirling Bridges on the Myrtlebank-Fulham Road in Myrtlebank.

Project status:

Complete

Update – May 2025

Strengthening works on both the Thompson River Bridge and Stirling Bridges (crossing Lavers Creek) have been completed. The Australian Government committed $4.58 million towards the Thomson Bridge Upgrade and $2.94 million towards the Stirling Bridge Upgrade projects.

Both bridges are now fully open to traffic with no speed restrictions in place.

The works included:

installing additional piles to the bridge pier and abutment foundations (Thompson 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.

Strengthening these two bridges allows larger freight vehicles, including B-Doubles, to use Myrtlebank-Fulham Road instead of travelling through central Sale, reducing travel times and improving freight efficiency.

The combined total project cost of $7.83 million was funded through the Australian Government’s $316.3 million commitment to upgrade the Princes Highway Corridor in Victoria, supporting the region’s growing population and modern freight needs.

Thank you for your patience as we delivered these important safety projects.

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.

Protecting our environment

Environmental approvals for these works were obtained and as part of our commitment we avoided working in the waterways during the Australian grayling fish spawning season.

Other ways we protected vegetation and wildlife included:

Appropriately qualified and experienced personnel 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, and
Water quality monitoring of Thomson River and Lavers Creek.

Sale alternative truck route

These works are part of the planned Sale Alternative Truck Route, which we are developing in partnership with the Wellington Shire Council.

We are working together to plan intersection upgrades, improve roads, and strengthen bridges along the proposed route to enhance safety and efficiency for all road users.

For further information see our Sale alternative truck route project page.