MOUNT Alexander Shire Council will lobby for funding and approvals to build a new bridge over the Loddon River in Vaughan.
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The decision to push for a new bridge was made at council’s December monthly meeting.
The existing 109 year-old Vaughan-Tarilta bridge will be decommissioned, after it was closed to protect public safety in October following deck failure.
The council considered four options including replacement of the bridge, repair of the bridge, upgrade access to an emergency management ford or retain the alternative route.
Mayor Christine Henderson said the council had listened to the concerns of nearby residents.
“It is clear that the preferred option is to build a new bridge so we will now develop a plan to secure funding and apply for the range of approvals needed from land and water authorities,” Cr Henderson said.
“We are confident that we have support from our local members of parliament to assist us in this task.
"It is expected the process will take several years to secure funding, design the bridge to meet standards, and gain the approvals needed to build a new bridge in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park."
Cr Henderson said the council did not have the funds to build the emergency access track at the ford.