A 24 tonne load limit will be introduced on the 95 year old Albacutya Bridge, north of Rainbow, from Wednesday 20 January 2016. The single lane bridge across Outlet Creek at Lake Albacutya provides a vital link to farmers, gypsum pit operators and tourism assets.

Council agreed at its December meeting to implement the recommendations of an independent report, which stated that a 15 tonne load limit would need to be implemented as soon as practically possible.

Ms Anne Champness, Hindmarsh Shire Council Acting CEO, said the independent report into the condition of the bridge was commissioned after Council officers noticed increased distress in structural elements of the bridge since the last condition audit was conducted in 2014.

"Council has had to act swiftly after our Officers noticed increased cracking in the wing walls, beams and columns of the bridge. The safety of users, preservation of the bridge and minimum amount of disruption to the farming and gypsum businesses have been guiding our actions," Ms Champness said.

The bridge, constructed in 1920, was designed for Class A loads, equivalent to a medium rigid truck today, but now carries B-doubles which can carry over four times the load of a Class A truck. During the height of the gypsum season, there can be an additional 80 heavy vehicle movements across the bridge per day, creating large stresses on the bridge. The 15t limit will ensure that the bridge will remain usable for cars and emergency services vehicles until a replacement can be constructed.

Ms Champness said, "We realise that the restrictions are going to impact many farmers and gypsum operators around the Albacutya area. Council is working closely with Parks Victoria and DELWP to open the creek crossing to the south of Albacutya Bridge. This will take time due to the approvals process Council is required to follow."

"As the approval process can take six months, Council will be placing a temporary bridge load limit of 24t on Albacutya Bridge for the duration of the gypsum season.

Loaded heavy vehicles will then be directed back to Rainbow and the VicRoads network via an upgraded Drendels Road. Once the season is finished the full 15t load limit will be implemented and the temporary creek crossing opened."

Council has started the process of replacing Albacutya Bridge, seeking approvals from stakeholders and land managers. Geotechnical testing and draft concept designs will be completed before the end of the financial year to ensure the replacement bridge is shovel ready and eligible for the Federal Bridges Renewal Program.

"Council has been working on a $2.5million replacement bridge for Albacutya and will be applying for the Federal Bridges Renewal Program. We will be actively lobbying the State and Federal Governments to ensure that we can replace this vital piece of regional infrastructure and access is maintained to the Albacutya region," Ms Champness said.

"We understand the inconvenience placed on everyone and we want to thank the local farmers, gypsum pit operators and Parks Victoria for their understanding, patience and input so far. We will continue to work with everyone until the bridge is replaced," Ms Champness said.

Load limit and detour signs will be erected to ensure all heavy vehicle operators are aware of the restrictions and know how to negotiate around the Albacutya area.

For any further information, contact Hindmarsh Shire Council's Acting Director Infrastructure Services Dean Gollan on 5391 4444 or dgollan@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

One of the many B-doubles now using the bridge that was designed for Medium Rigid vehicles.