MAJOR erosion of an Allansford bridge has triggered alarm from Warrnambool City Council engineers who have called for an immediate ban on heavy trucks using it.
It is estimated repair works will cost at least $500,000 and will take up to 18 months to complete.
Councillors tonight will vote on putting a 14-tonne load limit on the old Hopkins River bridge at Ziegler Parade which has become an increasingly popular route among drivers carting material for wind farms.
The 70-year-old bridge has received major damage to its foundations from floods, the most recent being in January last year. The damage only became evident last November when lower river levels revealed the extent of erosion.
A report to tonight's council meeting recommends imposing a load limit until repairs are completed . "The bridge presents the highest risk of collapse and will deteriorate faster if subjected to continual high loads," the report says.
"It is in very poor condition with substantial concrete spalling from both beams and columns and corrosion of the steel reinforcement."
Two other bridges have also been recommended for lower load limits and repairs.
The Skuses Road bridge at Allansford should have a 20-tonne limit and and the Stanley Street bridge in south Warrnambool should have a 25-tonne limit, according to the report.
The council is advised to seek funding for repairs from the flood recovery program, VicRoads, the Department of Transport and Regional Development Victoria.
Other items on tonight's agenda include a review of investment policy, a planning amendment in Foster Street and nominations for the Hopkins River reference group. The meeting starts at 5.30pm.
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