Towong leader says residents will appreciate new double lane bridge to span the Murray River

The NSW and Victorian governments have committed to demolishing and replacing the bridge at Towong, north-east of Corryong, over the next two years in a $10 million project.

The removal of the existing timber span will start in March, with a 58-metre long concrete bridge to replace the 1938 link.

It will cater to two lanes of traffic and include a footpath crossing.

Work is to take 18 months with detours running.

Afterwards, the history of the existing bridge will be recognised with a display of artefacts and signage.

Cr Whitehead said the replacement of the bridge would be welcomed, with closures of up to a month in recent times because of checks needed.

"It will be good to have a new bridge, over the last ten years it's been closed quite a lot of just for maintenance requirements," he said.

"Over the 18 months there will be a bit of disruption to the locals but I'm sure they will see the benefits in the end."

Cr Whitehead said the preservation of parts of the bridge had been something the council had lobbied for on behalf of concerned citizens.

The bridge is one of the last to have a timber deck and cross the Murray River.

It is only able to take a single lane of traffic.

Cr Whitehead said having a footpath dedicated as part of the bridge would allow for Towong to be connected with a camping area on the NSW side for pedestrians.

Victorian Roads Minister Ben Carroll said the bridge had endured much of over its life span.

"The existing Towong bridge is a timber beam structure built in 1938 - which had its life extended in 2016 with the assistance of a temporary support solution to resist regular flooding events," Mr Carroll said.

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