With thousands of people heading to Port Fairy for the town’s iconic folk festival this weekend, the Gipps Street bridge will be a key thoroughfare to and from the main street and festival arena.
While updates have been regular about the state of the road surface on the bridge, Fitzmedia reached out to Moyne Shire Council about the safety of the pedestrian part of the bridge.
Moyne mayor Jordan Lockett said the pedestrian access was inspected twice a week, with a structural engineer undertaking a formal detailed inspection every two months.
He said a dedicated inspection had been completed ahead of the Port Fairy Folk Festival, which had resulted in some further minor footpath works being actioned.
“Our most recent engineering report recommended replacing several timber planks and planning sections of the walkway to reduce potential trip hazards which have been completed,” Cr Lockett said.
“Maintenance works on the pedestrian crossing are ongoing, with identified defects being addressed regularly as part of Council’s continual maintenance program to ensure safety and usability for the community.
“The upcoming bridge replacement project, which includes an improved pedestrian walkway, will be funded through $5m from the Federal Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program along with a $2.76m commitment from Council”.
