Berringa Peninsula - Storm Damage Remediation Works
Update on works
The storm in late January resulted in significant damage to infrastructure and assets across the Towong Shire.One of the areas hardest hit was the Berringa Peninsula area with damage to; Sirls Road, Lake Road and Springdale Road; Parks and gardens including the fish play area on the Bellbridge foreshore and the Bethanga playground and Bellbridge walking track; Bridges/culverts on Beardmore Street, Lake Road and Springdale Road; as well as significant stream bed erosion, debris and the loss of many trees.
Immediately following the storms we conducted a series of inspections and risk assessments to identify and prioritise remediation works. To assist in this process, we engaged a consultant with experience in disaster remediation works to manage the claims process with state government agencies. The claims process can be quite onerous and slow, particularly when there is widespread damage across many municipalities. Running parallel to this our Outdoor Crew have been working hard to ensure public safety and action any repairs that sit outside the major remediation works delivered as part of Emergency Management Victoria’s disaster remediation process. Like every organisation we have experienced challenges with staffing due to the impact of COVID-19.
The damage to the Springdale Road bridge was particularly significant. As it stands the missing guardrail on the downstream side and undermining of the road pavement means that it is unsafe to re-open. We have arranged for temporary water filled barriers to be installed to allow for opening to occur as soon as practical. The barriers have been delivered to site ready to be filled. Once a final inspection and risk assessment is completed to ensure compliance, we anticipate the bridge will be open to single lane traffic with traffic lights in place by, at the latest, 10 April 2022. Unfortunately, the major repairs to restore two lane traffic are expected to take up to 12 months to complete due to current demand for contractors and materials.
