The deck of the timber suspension bridge across House Creek was cut away on Thursday as part of a project to install a new crossing. 

The existing span, which is just south of the Melbourne Road traffic bridge, had been deemed a safety risk by Wodonga Council.

In November last year, the council awarded a contract to Yackandandah bridge builder Nelmac to erect a brand new bridge at a cost of $193,000.

Temporary fencing was erected at the start of this week around the bridge and footpath which runs underneath it, adjacent to House Creek.

Decking on the structure was cut up and removed yesterday before the end pylons were pulled down.

It is anticipated the site will be cleared of the remains of the bridge by early next week.

That will allow for the installation of the new 32-metre long steel bridge which has been prefabricated at Nelmac’s factory. 

The single span, which was completed 1½ weeks ago, will be trucked into Wodonga and is expected to be bolted into place mid next week. 

The crossing point is then likely to be reopened to pedestrians and cyclists by the end of the month.

Unlike the suspension bridge, which is less than 25 years old, the new crossing will be lower in profile and provide greater deck rigidity and stability.

Nelmac beat five other companies for the replacement job with what was the lowest tender.

The highest was $304,956.

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