Wheelers Bridge to be closed due to safety concerns
Published on 17 December 2025
Council has made the necessary decision to immediately implement an interim closure of Wheelers Bridge on Creswick–Lawrence Road following advice that continued use poses an unacceptable risk to road users and pedestrians.
Bruce Lucas, Director Infrastructure and Delivery, said that the decision to close the bridge is regrettable and was not made lightly.
“Wheelers Bridge is a 125-year-old concrete arch bridge that has been subject to ongoing deterioration over many decades. In recent years, Council has undertaken regular inspections and monitoring of the bridge, with a number of risk-mitigation measures introduced in 2019, including speed and load limits, a heavy vehicle detour, and the reduction of traffic to a single lane,” he said
Council recognises the historic importance of Wheelers Bridge and has previously investigated options to renew or duplicate the structure and allocated funding toward a renewal project, supported by grant funding. A recent Expression of Interest process has highlighted that the cost of renewal works in the current market would be significantly higher than the available budget.
Council engaged an independent bridge expert to carry out a review of the project scope and cost estimates. An updated condition audit completed as part of that review has identified that the bridge has deteriorated significantly more than anticipated. The assessment has highlighted that continued use of the bridge presents an unacceptably high level of risk and has recommended immediate closure
“Based on expert advice, Council is acting to close the bridge on an interim basis to protect the safety of motorists, pedestrians and the wider community. We acknowledge that the closure will be inconvenient, particularly for local residents, and appreciates the community’s understanding. A detour will be put in place to provide an alternative travel route,” said Mr Lucas
Council will continue with the peer review process and will prepare a further report to Council with a formal recommendation on the long-term future of Wheelers Bridge. This report will consider safety, risk, cost, level of use and heritage value, and is expected to be presented to Council at its February 2026 meeting.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.