GIPPSLAND WELCOMES THE NEW LINDENOW GLENALADALE BRIDGE
THE new $2.4 million Lindenow Glenaladale Bridge in East Gippsland is now open, with the project set to improve flood immunity and productivity.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals Government had invested $1.2 million in the project under Round 2 of the Bridges Renewal Program, while East Gippsland Shire Council matched the contribution and oversaw construction of the bridge.
“This is an example of how the Federal Government is assisting local councils to better connect communities nationwide under the Bridges Renewal Program and our record $75 billion infrastructure investment more broadly,” Mr McCormack said.
Federal Member for Gippsland and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Darren Chester joined current Lindenow Primary School students at the bridge opening this morning, which was also attended by some community representatives who were students at the previous bridge opening in 1959.
Mr Chester said the new bridge replaced an aged timber bridge and increased the weight limit from 44 to 70 tonnes.
“The new bridge is specifically designed to cater for heavy goods vehicles operating at higher mass limits, including B doubles and AB doubles,” Mr Chester said.
“The upgrade will improve flood immunity and productivity for the vegetable-growing region, with high volumes of large farm machinery and heavy vehicles using the bridge to cross the Mitchell River.”
Mr Chester said he was pleased to see a local construction company had been awarded the contract and congratulated Jarvis Norwood Constructions, based in Swan Reach, for its work.
“The bridge is a major asset for the vegetable-growing region of Lindenow, with high volumes of large farm machinery and heavy vehicles using the bridge to cross the Mitchell River,” Mr Chester said.
East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Joe Rettino said the Lindenow Glenaladale Bridge provides a link to markets for local producers, who play an important role in driving the East Gippsland economy.
“This bridge is strategically important for the local farming sector and provides reliable access during emergencies such as bushfires and floods. We are glad the works are complete and the shire is already seeing the benefits,” Cr Rettino said.
For more information on the Bridges Renewal Program, visit http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/bridges_renewal.aspx.
Ends.
Media Contact:
Mr McCormack – Dom Hopkinson 0409 421 209
Mr Chester – Vicki Miller 0417 203 308
Cr Rettino – Emma Langres 03 5153 9500