28 Aug 2012

Bridge funding announcement due

8:08 am on 28 August 2012

The Government is expected to announce a $45 million plan on Wednesday to strengthen bridges so they can handle much heavier vehicles.

Ninety-three bridges built in the first half of last century need to be strengthened before vehicles over the standard 44 tonne weight limit can use them.

Some $30 million worth of work is required for state highway bridges and $15 million for local roads.

If this work is done, permits can then be issued to trucks able to carry up to 53 tonnes to use routes with the strengthened bridges.

The Forest Owners Association says it is hoping for a significant funding package to address this issue.