General News
15 April, 2025
New load limit signs for the Pyrenees Shire
Reduced load limit signs have been installed on 25 bridges throughout the Pyrenees Shire to preserve aging infra-structure.
Local roads with these new limits include Avoca-Bealiba Road, Avoca, Lexton-Ararat Road and Amphitheatre Road, Amphitheatre and Waubra-Talbot Road, Evansford.
Pyrenees shire mayor Tanya Kehoe said it is important to protect these older bridges while still ensuring efficient and timely movements of the municipality’s goods and products.
“Our roads and bridges are vital for connectivity within the region, as well as access to and from properties for our residents,” she said.
The Pyrenees Shire has around 150 bridges, about 100 of which are over 50 years old, originally designed to only carry a load equivalent to a 33 tonne semi-truck, whereas modern bridge design loading can support over 150 tonnes.
The shire has conducted structural assessments on several other bridges in recent years, as well as regular bridge condition assessments every four years and routine yearly inspections.
These procedures helped determine the shire’s current 25 load limited bridges.
Council upgrades one bridge and two major culverts on average each year, with works currently occurring on culverts in Vinoca Road, Avoca and Homebush Road, Avoca.
“As part of our Ten-Year Asset Plan, we have an ongoing bridge strengthening program, with $420,000 allocated each year for bridge works,” Cr Kehoe said.
Alternative routes for heavy vehicle road users will be available on most nearby roads.
Operators with heavy vehicles requiring a heavy vehicle permit will already be made aware of the load limit structures and alternative routes as these are part of the permit process.
Cr Kehoe said that while works are being done to ensure these bridges can support heavy vehicles, the newly implemented load limit signs are not permanent.
“Council has a long term goal to remove all bridge limits by upgrading these bridges,” she said.
Cr Kehoe said feedback on alternative routes which require works to assist access can be provided to the Pyrenees Shire.
“Council is working with the transport sector to find viable alternative routes for affected residents and business owners so please contact Pyrenees Shire for assistance in this matter.”