Vaughan-Tarilta bridges project

The existing Vaughan-Tarilta road timber bridge over the Loddon River was built in 1868 and has now reached the end of its life. The bridge is in poor condition and was converted to a pedestrian bridge approximately 10 years ago. At the same time a ford /floodway capable of allowing vehicles to cross the river was constructed further downstream. This crossing now, in addition to emergency fire trucks, also allows local residents access across the Loddon River.

A new concrete low-level structure capable of providing all weather access (excluding high flow and flood events) to all vehicles, not just 4-wheel drives, is being constructed in accordance with all Australian Standards. When complete it will be capable of providing access to all heavy vehicles. The structure will also provide access for both pedestrians and cyclist and provide a new entrance to the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.

The Burgoyne street bridge has been assessed and council is assessing options for the rehabilitation or replacement of the Burgoyne Street bridge road bridge. A 5-ton load limit will be implemented on the bridge until works can be completed.

The existing timber bridge is planned to be assessed once the low-level crossing is completed to determine what works should be undertaken.

The design of the low level bridge has considered:

• The need to provide all weather access to all vehicles, not just 4 wheel drives (excluding high flow and flood events).
• The need to provide access to all heavy vehicles.
• The need to provide access for both pedestrians and cyclists.
• Providing a new entrance to the Castlemaine Digging National Heritage Park. 

The replacement or reconstruction of the existing timber pedestrian bridge will need to include considerations of the heritage overlay.

Low level bridge to replace the Floodway

Council has completed all associated assessments and notified all relevant authorities required to commence construction, and the design has been reviewed against current Australian Standards.

Council has continued to keep key land management stakeholders informed the ensure construction of the low-level crossing can proceed smoothly. A contractor has been selected to undertake the construction work which will commence in August 2024, with completion of works expected in October (weather permitting).

During this time traffic management and signage will be installed and there may be traffic delays when materials and bridge components are being delivered to site. We apologise for any delays experienced.

View the completed designs here completed designs here(PDF, 1MB)

The Burgoyne Street road bridge

Following an unsuccessful grant application for the Burgoyne Street bridge council have undertaken a bridge assessment on the current condition of the Burgoyne Street bridge. During this assessment it was identified that the bridge load limit needs to be changed to 5 Tonne. Council is currently notifying the community of this load limit change and will install signage onsite in September.

The signage installed following the traffic safety audit will be retained on the approaches to the bridge, which includes “giveaway” and “one vehicle to cross at a time” and a number of speed restriction signs.

Council are currently assessing temporary repair options until rehabilitation or replacement of the Burgoyne Street bridge can be undertaken.

Low level crossing

 Once the construction of the low-level crossing is completed council will commence works to formally create a road reserve for the low-level crossing.

Timber bridges

Detailed costings are being prepared for the options above. This also includes exploration of the heritage conditions that may apply knowing that the timber pedestrian bridge is located in a Heritage Overlay. Requisite approvals and agreements with land owners are also being progressed.

It is anticipated that the low-level crossing project will be completed by the 31 October 2024.