Federal government funding for the bridge was announced by Member for Wannon Dan Tehan this week as part of $4.26 million promised in the Bridges Renewal Program.

The extra federal funding for the Castle Carey Road bridge, which is a major link between Camperdown and Mortlake, comes after the federal government committed $1.6 million to the project last year, matched by the Corangamite Shire. It brings the federal government’s spend on the project to $2.6 million.

Corangamite Shire mayor Jo Beard said the council was currently putting together a funding application to the state government for $1 million to complete the project.

“The upgrade is required for the ongoing safety of all roads users and to improve the road approaches to the bridge,” she said. 

“Currently the load limitations and sub-standard curved approaches at each end makes the bridge unsuitable for B-Double and higher mass limits vehicle movements.”

The federal funding will also boost bridge renewal projects at Allansford’s Ziegler Parade bridge, the Scotts North Road bridge in Koroit and the Tarrone Lane bridge at Port Fairy.

Mr Tehan said the funding for the region would help upgrade major transport routes on local roads.

“These upgrades mean local communities within Wannon will have access to safer and more reliable road access,” he said.

“This will not only reduce the time taken to transport freight from farms and local industry but increase productivity and economic gains.”

Mr Tehan said the bridge renewal program aimed to help councils fund improvements on their important transport links.

“It is clear that councils have thought seriously about how well their proposal addresses the objectives of the program and, in many cases, have taken the time to consult with local industry on their needs and priorities,” he said.

“These projects were identified as priorities by local government and the works will be managed by local government – showing this government’s commitment to providing real outcomes from the local level up.”