Bridge at Warrak closed from January 12

Ararat Rural City Council (ARCC) will begin construction of a stronger, wider and safer bridge on Buangor–Ben Nevis Road at Warrak from January 12.

The existing 70-plus-year-old bridge over Mount Cole Creek will be completely rebuilt as a dual-lane structure, improving safety for cars and heavy vehicles and extending the bridge’s lifespan for at least the next 100 years.

The bridge will be closed to all traffic for approximately seven weeks while works are carried out on the $1.3 million project.

ARCC Chief Executive Officer Dr Tim Harrison said Council had been working with the Warrak community, emergency services and school bus providers to minimise disruption around the bridge closure.

“The use of a prefabricated bridge will significantly reduce the amount of time the road needs to be closed,” Dr Harrison said.

“There’s never a good time to close a bridge, but it’s a priority that we replace it for safety reasons. We really can’t wait any longer. Council is confident everything is in place for the bridge to be installed and reopened to traffic by the end of March.”

Dr Harrison said the Warrak bridge reconstruction forms part of a broader program of upgrades planned for Buangor–Ben Nevis Road over the coming years.

“Council aims to begin strengthening works on the bridge over Billy Billy Creek in the near future.

“We will also be reconstructing the full 10 kilometres of Buangor-Ben Nevis Road, with works on the first 1.7km section just south of Warrak due to begin early this year.”

To keep residents informed, Council has installed a project noticeboard outside the Warrak Hall. 

Updates will also be available online at engage.ararat.vic.gov.au.

The new bridge will be similar to the Helendoite Bridge (pictured).