No plans for Devlin’s Bridge replacement

Accident hotspot Devlin’s Bridge on the Melba Highway maybe safer than it looks, with no current plans to replace the bridge.

Following recent accidents on the bridge where railings were damaged, State Liberal Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish asked the Minister for Road Safety about the safety conditions of the bridge.

This included how often routine maintenance checks were conducted, how many accidents occurred on the bridge, how many repairs the bridge had and when the bridge was due to be replaced.

Ms McLeish said, “Devlin’s Bridge is quickly becoming notorious for being an accident hot spot for drivers.”

“Motorists want to know if the bridge is sound and safe for the cars, trucks, caravans, and motorbikes that regularly use it.”

“After recent accidents occurring on the bridge and the dire state of the Melba Highway, I can understand motorists concerns for safety.”

The Minister confirmed the next structural inspection is due to occur this year but did not say when, and there are no current plans for the bridge to be replaced as it is structurally sound. Over the past five years, 21 routine maintenance activities and 18 hazard type activities have been completed on the bridge.

Over the past 20 years, five accidents have occurred, and the bridge has been repaired twice due to accidents in the past five years, including the incident which occurred in February 2022.

Ms McLeish continues, “The bridge is part of a major regional highway and needs to be kept up to standard to keep motorists safe.”

Devlin’s Bridge is approximately 52 years old, with the timber deck being replaced with concrete in 1967.