YACKANDANDAH’S historic stone bridge simply cannot continue to carry the weight of heavy vehicles.
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That was the opinion of a restoration expert working on the bridge yesterday, but locals and the wider community did not need an expert to tell them that.
The historic and beautiful bridge is already showing signs of the overload by heavy vehicles, with a four-man restoration team finding some granite stones have cracked through.
Daryl Clyne from Geelong firm DC Projects says in another 10 to 15 years, the bridge will deteriorate quickly.
There is no doubt that Mr Clyne is the expert on the matter but many would still doubt his optimism on the timeframe for just how long it will be before the bridge deteriorates to the point of what could be no return.
VicRoads says a load limit for the bridge is not warranted.
Indigo Council disagrees, and has called for B-doubles and other heavy traffic to be re-routed.
What cannot be questioned is the fact that the bridge dating back to 1857 was never designed to carry heavy vehicles.
The bridge holds a special place in the hearts of those who call Yackandandah home. Mr Clyne is right is saying steps must be taken to protect it.