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Killy Bridge Is Back

The Kilcunda Bridge is open to the public again. Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman, said the heritage listed trestle bridge was closed last week after a section was damaged by fire.

By Bass Coast - 18th May 2012 - Back to News

"Council erected temporary barriers on the bridge after it was damaged by fire on Thursday, 10 May," explained Cr Dowman.

"Although only a small section of the bridge was burned, we had to be sure there was not structural damage before reopening it. On Tuesday afternoon, we received the report from the engineer confirming there was no major structural damage and our contractor began the repair work straight away. We know how beloved the bridge is and wanted to have it fixed and open to the public as soon as possible."

Cr Dowman said fortunately the fire had been quickly contained and there was no major damage to the iconic structure.

"The fire was only in a small area and within that, around 15 per cent of the existing timber sleepers were burned. We are very relieved that the damage wasn’t more significant."

The bridge fire evoked a strong response from the local community.

"Our staff have also fielded calls from as far away as Churchill and Melbourne," said Cr Dowman.

"One of the calls was from an 83 year old lady who was born in Kilcunda. She was very sad to hear the bridge had been damaged, as it has always been part of her life. Many users of the Rail Trail, of which the bridge is an integral part, have also called and registered their dismay at the damage.

"Our community facilities are there for everyone to enjoy and we rely on people behaving appropriately and treating them with care and respect."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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