The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has taken aim at the Allan Labor Government after yet another turn in the never-ending saga of the Latrobe River Bridge at Tyers.
The new bridge and upgrades to Tyers Road were designed with the aim of increasing the old 30-tonne gross mass limit to 68.5 tonnes. Works were completed in December 2023 when the new bridge and Tyers Road were opened to the public.
But in August, truckdrivers raised the alarm with Mr Cameron and reported they had been directed to avoid using the bridge because the 30-tonne gross mass limit was still in place.
“This was confirmed by the Department of Transport’s website, which was scrubbed when I questioned the Minister for Roads,” Mr Cameron said.
“How could the 30-tonne weight limit still be in force when the bridge and road upgrades were finished in December 2023?
“Here’s how: Labor hadn’t actually received the all-clear from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to increase the weight limit.
“Despite this, there were no signs to notify truckies, and the government wilfully neglected to inform the public that vehicles heavier than 30 tonnes shouldn’t be driving across the bridge.
“This is gross negligence – Labor was more concerned with saving face than ensuring the safety of truckdrivers and motorists.
“The Minister for Roads has assured me sign-off was complete in late August and the weight limit is now up to 68.5 tonnes, but trust in this government has been completely eroded.
“Labor can’t manage roads, can’t manage money, and regional Victorians are paying the price.”
Caption: The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has taken aim at the Allan Labor Government after yet another turn in the never-ending saga of the Latrobe River Bridge at Tyers.
