THE Wannon Bridge, which was first built in 1917, has recently undergone works to help maintain its history.

The bridge (formerly Monier Bridge) originally began construction in March 1917 but wasn’t completed until August 1917 due to WWI delays.

The Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) have now finished works on the historic bridge, with the community applauding Council’s efforts to restore it.

SGSC infrastructure and sustainability director, Marg Scanlon, said maintenance upgrade works have recently been completed on the Wannon Bridge as part of a large package of bridge maintenance and culvert works scheduled across the Southern Grampians.

“Works completed at Wannon Bridge have included the repainting of handrails, patching and repairing of kerbs, crack sealing, securing the service line, removal of debris and vegetation from the waterway as well as required necessary cleaning,” she said.

“A contract was awarded at the December Council meeting for approximately $720,053 excluding GST for extensive bridge and culvert maintenance works across the region.

“These works have already commenced at a number of sites and will continue through to April (weather permitting), depending on what is required at each site. Potential works will include corrosion treatment, concrete spalling treatment, corroded and exposed reinforcements, delamination, vegetation, debris, chipping, crack and cleaning.”

Works are scheduled for the following sites: Bell Street at Yuppeckiar Creek, McKellars Road - Violet Creek, Mt Napier Road - Grange Burn, Blackwood-Dunkeld Road - Back Creek, Quigleys Road - Wannon River, Walkers Road - Back Creek, Hamilton Botanic Gardens - Footbridge, Yatchaw Road, Victoria Point Road - Dwyer Creek, Melville Forest - Vasey Road, and Mt Napier Road  - Muddy Creek.