Bridge threat to town

By Paul Dunlop
THE sudden closure of the Bayles Bridge on Monday has shopkeepers fearful it could drive business away from the rural town.
Cardinia Shire Council is also concerned about the shock move and has urged Transport Minister Peter Batchelor to ensure the bridge is reopened to traffic as soon as possible.
VicRoads announced on Monday that the Bayles Bridge on the KooweerupLongwarry Road had been closed unexpectedly due to safety concerns.
Traffic will be diverted along the No 4 Drain Road and TynongBayles Road until a solution is found.
News of the bridge closure was met with dismay by Bayles general store operator Tracey Gargano.
“This is a big threat to us. Last time the bridges were closed for six weeks for renovations we lost a lot of business.
“Traffic has to detour eight kilometres around — half way to Pakenham and half way to Kooweerup. We get bypassed.
“We’re a small town and we depend on through traffic for our livelihood. If the bridge is shut for a long time we may as well close our doors.”
Cardinia Shire mayor Bill Ronald and Port Ward councillor Doug Hamilton visited Bayles on Tuesday in the wake of the announcement.
The closure comes amid preparations to replace the old bridges with new, improved structures under a major State Government upgrade.
Cr Hamilton said council and residents had been given an assurance that the bridges would remain open while the works were carried out.
“At the very least, cars should be able to continue using this route. Bayles depends on passing traffic,” Cr Hamilton said.
Cr Ronald said the council would pursue the issue with Mr Batchelor and roads authorities.
VicRoads southeastern regional manager Steve Brown said the emergency closure of the bridge was unfortunate but necessary to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians.
“A detailed bridge inspection has revealed problems with the deterioration of the timber piles on the bridge making it unsafe for motorists,” he said.
“VicRoads will consider several options to ensure the road is reopened as soon as possible.”
Mr Brown said that as part of the Bayles Bridge upgrade, a temporary bridge would be built to allow traffic access to remain on the road throughout the construction period.
“VicRoads had planned to have the temporary bridge in place before closing Bayles Bridge,” Mr Brown said.
“Unfortunately, this has not happened and we will look at several options to ensure the road is reopened as soon as possible.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this bridge closure may cause the community.”