LOCALS can resume using Beechworth-Wodonga Road between Beechworth and Wooragee, following the installation of a temporary bridge at Rising Sun Creek.

Damage to a culvert at Rising Sun Creek was detected earlier this year following heavy rain and flooding.

While assessment of the damage has been undertaken, the road between Reids Way, Wooragee and Beechworth-Chiltern Road, Beechworth has remained closed.

This section has now been reopened, after our crews completed the installation of a Bailey Bridge over the site.

Department of Transport and Planning Acting Regional Director (Hume) Emma Bamford said the installation of the temporary and portable bridge will allow traffic to cross while works are undertaken to repair the damaged culvert.

“Safety is our number one priority, and we appreciate the community’s patience while we continue planning for crucial culvert repair works on Beechworth-Wodonga Road,” said Ms Bamford.

“The installation of this temporary Bailey Bridge means locals and all road users can resume using Beechworth-Wodonga Road between Beechworth and Wooragee while we continue with these necessary repair works.”

The Bailey Bridge is a one-lane crossing, with traffic lights at either end and a 20kp/h speed limit in place.

A 20-tonne load limit remains in place east of Wooragee on Beechworth-Wodonga Road, where a second culvert is being assessed for damage. A 20-tonne load limit will remain in place at this section of road, and remains reduced to one lane with traffic lights on site.

Vehicles above this load limit will need to seek an alternate route from Chiltern using the Beechworth-Chiltern Road and the Hume Freeway.

Assessment of the culvert damage and planning for appropriate repair works is continuing. This is a complicated process due to the age of the culvert, stone-construction and a commitment to preserve the historical amenity of the structure.

Works to repair the damaged culvert at Rising Sun Creek are anticipated to begin mid-September 2023 and are anticipated to finish in late October 2023, weather permitting.