A DECISION on the route for the Yarrawonga-Mulwala replacement bridge has been delayed by an unscheduled round of community consultation.
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VicRoads and NSW Roads and Maritime Services have spoken to almost 500 people during the month-long process.
A decision on the route had been expected mid-year, but the roads authorities will now make their recommendation by the end of next month.
Their decision will be handed to the Victorian and NSW governments for a final decision late this year.
The member for Murray Valley, Tim McCurdy, has already said he preferred the green route, but the member for Albury, Greg Aplin, hasn’t committed to any route across Lake Mulwala.
VicRoads regional director Bryan Sherritt said about 500 people had been involved in the latest consultations.
That project team would prepare a recommendation based on that information, detailed studies, analysis, modelling and earlier consultation.
“It’s vital the outcome we recommend will meet the community and transport needs for the future,” Mr Sherritt said.
“While I appreciate people’s opinions on a preferred crossing are divided, I can assure the communities of Yarrawonga and Mulwala we will be thorough in our considerations.
“We will be making our recommendation based on the information we have gathered and our expertise as road specialists.
“It is important now to get on with the job of submitting a recommendation for consideration by the respective governments so that work can start on securing funding to build the crossing.
“Part of the feedback provided as a result of the consultation process was that many people want this project to progress and an outcome decided.”
The fate of the old bridge had a significant bearing on which crossing option people preferred, according to the feedback.