The journey for farmers seeking fertiliser north of Rainbow will soon be quicker and safer, with new funding announced by the federal government.
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Across two programs, Albacutya bridge will receive $2 million of funding. This will allow Hindmarsh Shire Council to upgrade it to become a two-lane bridge, where it is currently only one lane.
The council will spend a further $138,000 repairing Albacutya Road.
Member for Mallee Anne Webster said she met with Rainbow residents advocating for the bridge in January.
"The trucks can't go over it, and they are going through the park (below the bridge) now. It was clearly a big issue," she said. "I'm very pleased that it has happened.
The 99-year-old single lane bridge, across Outlet Creek at Lake Albacutya, provides a link for farmers to a gypsum (fertiliser) mine and for tourism operators.
Since January 20, 2016, the council has enforced a 24-tonne load limit on the bridge. B-Double trucks can carry up to 55 tonnes.
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Albacutya farmer Adam Gould has farming property on both sides of the bridge. He said the upgrades to the bridge and would make getting machinery over the bridge "stress-free".
"We've got that many trucks on the road from farmers selling grain and hay out our way, so it will mean we're not getting into the (roadside) stones," he said.
"From probably January to April it's really busy, when the farmers get out their airseeders and big tractors, and then it's gravel season."
The council has decided to upgrade Lorquon Road, at Jeparit, and Kiata North road with the rest of its allocation.
The Albacutya upgrades are being funded under the Bridges Renewal Program and the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
Under this latter program, $2 million will be spent on repairing the Highway between Horsham and Lascelles, the road's northern endpoint.
Dr Webster said this project included widening and sealing the road's shoulder, and upgrades to the centre line.
"We have funded the state to do that," she said.
Dr Webster said she hoped to see additional funding for roads, rail and mental health in the 2020 Federal Budget, due to be handed down on Tuesday, October 6.
"I'm certainly keen to see the treasurer pay attention to Mallee," she said.
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Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
