ONE of the two crossings that link Yarrawonga and Mulwala that is slated to close next year should remain open for the first half of 2020.
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The shutting of the road over the Lake Mulwala weir wall in 2020 was first flagged in 2003 by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission.
However this week its successor, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, could not tell The Border Mail when next year that traffic will stop flowing over the wall.
"No date has yet been set but it is unlikely to be before the second half of 2020," a spokeswoman said.
"MDBA is working with the state road authorities, Transport NSW and VicRoads, on actions needed before closing the bridge."
The lack of certainty has frustrated the councils on either side of the lake, Moira and Federation.
Moira recently wrote to Regional Roads Victoria (formerly VicRoads) for clarity.
When contacted by The Border Mail, RRV directed comment about the weir wall closure to the MDBA.
Moira mayor Libero Mustica and his Federation counterpart Pat Bourke are frustrated by the lack of detail.
"We want a decision as soon as possible because obviously we've got to make a decision about what to do with future transport needs and safety with the other bridge." Cr Bourke said.
Cr Mustica said fair warning of the end date was vital.
"I think 90 days would have to be a minimum to allow companies to set themselves up, but I don't know whether 90 days is enough," Cr Mustica said.
"They should've been talking about it now, they need to let people know now."
RRV regional director Steve Bowmaker said work was being done on the matter.
"While that planning continues, we are focused on progressing the associated Murray Valley Highway connection to relieve congestion and safety issues associated with heavy vehicles using Belmore Street through the Yarrawonga CBD," he said.