Burgoyne Street Bridge

The Burgoyne Street Bridge is architecturally significant as one of Victoria's largest surviving all-timber road bridges, which has earned it a local heritage overlay. Following a Level 2 Condition Assessment, Council has identified several timber elements that require upgrading or replacement.

Due to the risks associated with its current condition, the bridge's load limit has been reduced from 20 tonnes to 5 tonnes. This action is intended to ensure user safety and prevent further deterioration of the structure.

Council is currently evaluating options for maintaining the bridge's structural integrity and extending its lifespan. The 5 tonne load limit will remain in effect until rehabilitation or reconstruction works are completed, after which the limit will be increased.

Council has informed residents of Vaughan, Irishtown, and Fryerstown about the change in load limit. Other affected parties include the school bus service, waste collection and emergency vehicles.

Detour and load limit signage will be installed to alert road users to the new restrictions. 

Council is in the process of investigating options for either rehabilitation of the existing heritage bridge or the construction of a new bridge.

Both options will require a design to be developed, including the preparation of tender documentation and the execution of a tender process.

Once the tender process is complete, the selected consultant will work closely with Council to create a design that meets safety and structural standards. The historical significance of the bridge may also be a consideration in the design.

The target date for completing the design is dependent on the proposed option chosen. However, the actual completion date for the rehabilitation/reconstruction works will hinge on the availability of funding.

Council is actively exploring various funding options to support moving forward with the necessary improvements to the bridge.