THE Victorian Government is poised to reverse the decision on retaining the existing Yarrawonga-Mulwala traffic bridge.
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Roads minister Luke Donnellan has responded to a letter from Mulwala resident Ken McLean about the status of the $90 million bridge replacement project.
As part of the letter obtained by The Border Mail, Mr Donnellan wrote: "The costs to maintain the existing bridge, even just for pedestrian or bicycle use, are prohibitive and, as such, the Victorian Government does not support its retention.
"VicRoads advises me that this is also the position of the Moira and Corowa shires and the NSW Roads and Maritime Services.
"Consequently, the proposal for the new bridge crossing of Lake Mulwala also provides for the removal of the existing bridge.
"The Victorian Government, in conjunction with the NSW Government, will ensures that the best possible decision is made to concerning the available bridge options."
Mr McLean said the ongoing uncertainty about the bridge route and the fate of the existing bridge opened in 1924 prompted him to seek answers from the state governments.
He supports the decision to scrap the existing bridge despite strong community support for its retain for cycling and pedestrian use.
"I don't believe my grand-kids will want to pay for its upkeep," Mr McLean said.
"Ideally I see a new bridge going where the old one is at the moment.
"The two towns are linked together and there will be viewing platforms to look across the lake.
"It's a big decision and it has to be right."
Mr McLean is a member of the Mulwala Progress Association and was named the town's citizen of the year earlier this year.
The previous Victorian Coalition government announced on the eve of last year's state election will be spared demolition.
Former roads minister Peter Walsh travelled to Yarrawonga to make the announcement.
Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy was unavailable when contacted for comment on Friday.