By Taylah Eastwell
There is no reopening date in mind for Warburton’s Redwood Bridge, with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) soon to undertake an assessment of structural damage caused by fallen trees late last year.
The iconic bridge was damaged by trees brought down during a storm in September last year, not long after a period of closure while important works were carried out mid-year.
DEWLP engaged an engineer to carry out an initial assessment of the bridge in October to assess the extent of the damage and recommend any necessary repairs.
DELWP Port Phillip Regional Manager Stephen Chapple said the engineers determined a Level Three assessment was required, which is set to take place next week.
“Following an initial assessment of Redwood Bridge, DELWP has engaged engineers to carry out a comprehensive investigation into how it was impacted by the fallen trees, including its condition, load carrying capacity, structural integrity and whether any of the cables were stretched by the fallen trees,” Mr Chapple said.
Mr Chapple said DELWP is unable to provide an estimate of how long the bridge will be closed until it knows whether the bridge requires minor work or more substantial repairs.
“This assessment will begin in the next week and is expected to be completed over the coming months,” he said.
“We understand the value of the bridge to the Warburton community and its visitors, the role it plays in recreation opportunities in the area, and the community’s frustration that it remains closed. But safety is our number one priority, so until the necessary repairs have been properly identified, carried out, and the bridge is deemed safe, it cannot be reopened.
