There are two Murray River crossings between the communities of Yarrawonga in Victoria and Mulwala in New South Wales: the Yarrawonga Bridge and the Weir further to the west.
The Weir crossing has a single lane and is scheduled to be closed in 2020.
Under the direction of a Steering Group consisting of representatives of VicRoads, Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) (NSW), Goulburn-Murray Water, Corowa Shire Council and Moira Shire Council, VicRoads commissioned a feasibility study in 2006 to identify options for a new bridge and approaches within the townships. The study identified six crossing options that have been discussed with the Councils and the communities.
Overview of the planning study
In May 2009 the Governments of New South Wales and Victoria announced funding for a planning study to assess the feasibility of six broad corridor alignments and to select a preferred alignment for a new Yarrawonga-Mulwala Bridge.
The study includes comprehensive assessments of the following aspects:
· Flora and fauna
· Cultural heritage
· Traffic survey and modelling
· Hydrology (flooding)
· Regional economy
· Landscape and visual assessment
· Noise
· Social impacts
· Land use
· Geotechnical
Next steps
A detailed evaluation of these assessments is underway. Feedback from the Yarrawonga and Mulwala communities will be used to compile a short list of up to three options.
VicRoads will seek feedback from the communities in regard to these shortlisted alignments and will commission further detailed studies to find the preferred alignment.
VicRoads expects that the preferred alignment will be identified for inclusion in the local Councils' planning schemes by 2013.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
VicRoads has compiled a list of frequently asked questions relating to the project.
FAQ [PDF 119KB, 9pp]
Community consultation forms a critical part of planning investigations. Regular meetings and updates provide you with the opportunity to meet the Project Team and to discuss any concerns you might have. We will schedule further Community meetings and Public Information Days as the planning progresses. We will advertise the dates and times of the Public Information sessions on the website and in local newspapers.
Here is a summary of all six routes with a short description.
Broad Corridor Alignments: Summary and maps [Word 3MB, 8pp]
Broad Corridor Alignments: Summary (Text only) [Word 43KB]
Phone: VicRoads North Eastern office on (03) 5761 1888 between 8.30am and 4.30pm
Write to: Regional Director – North Eastern Victoria
VicRoads
PO Box 135
Benalla VIC 3672
Email: ner.enquiries@roads.vic.gov.au