Council to seek additional funding to repair Wheelers Bridge

Published on 26 February 2026

This week, Council made the decision to continue the closure of Wheelers Bridge on Creswick–Lawrence Road whilst it seeks additional project funding, after independent engineering advice confirmed the structure is unsafe for all vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, said the bridge presents an unacceptable risk to both motorists and pedestrians and must remain closed.

“This was a very difficult decision for Council. It follows comprehensive investigations by engineering experts into the bridge’s current condition and future management options. Over the course of the project, we carefully considered a range of alternatives, including maintaining the bridge under existing restrictions, partial or full renewal, duplication, and closure, however the condition has limited the options that can be pursued,” he said.

“We recognise the significant impact this closure will have on residents and road users together with the challenges this has in relation to economic growth. Council is working closely with emergency services to ensure clear detours are in place. Similarly, we are committed to acknowledging the bridge’s heritage significance as a 125-year-old arch bridge that was one of the first in Victoria to be completed using the early Monier system of reinforced concrete,” said Cr Clark.

In 2021, a specialist bridge designer was engaged to prepare tender documentation for the renewal of the bridge and associated road improvements. An expression of interest process undertaken in 2024 shows the total project cost to be in the vicinity of $9 to 10 million given the complexity and risk associated with the works. Options for partial or full renewal, along with the duplication of the bridge, were found to be cost-prohibitive and are currently unfunded.

“Council has committed to continue advocating to both state and federal governments for additional funding to ensure the long-term preservation of this historic bridge.,” said Cr Clark.

The bridge has experienced progressive deterioration over several decades. In recent years, Council has conducted regular inspections and monitoring, progressively introducing a range of risk-mitigation measures since 2013, including load limits, a heavy vehicle detours, reduced speed limit, and the restriction of traffic to a single lane.

To read the full details of the decision and detours in place, visit the agenda and minutes page on our website.