Work to replace the Bullock Island Bridge in Lakes Entrance will begin today, Monday, June 7.

The East Gippsland Shire Council project will provide reliable long-term access to the island for local, visitor and commercial users.

The new bridge accommodates pedestrians and cyclists with a shared path on the south side and a second pedestrian path on the north side.

Mayor Cr Mendy Urie said the existing bridge was in poor condition with corrosion in many sections of steel reinforcement.

“The new bridge will complement council’s other improvements on the island as part of the Bullock Island Masterplan Implementation project including a greatly improved path and road network, recreational spaces and facilities,” Cr Urie said.

The bridge will be replaced one half at a time to maintain access to the island. Minor delays will be encountered by people accessing Bullock Island during project, which is anticipated to take six months to complete.

For public safety, the carpark and open space area on Bullock Island, on the south-west side of the bridge, will be closed throughout the construction period. Afterwards, this space will be reinstated and improved as part of the Bullock Island Master Plan Implementation project.

“Once completed the new bridge will provide reliable access to Bullock Island for all users, with improved load capacity, better path connections and LED lighting similar to that installed on the Cunninghame Arm Footbridge,” Cr Urie said.

The bridge will be built by Jarvis Norwood Constructions.

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Funding of $5 million has been provided by the Australian Government for the bridge replacement and associated works on Bullock Island, through the Victorian Infrastructure Investment Program.