By Natalie Gallenti
AN HISTORICAL Keilor landmark has been closed due to dangerous conditions.
The Old Iron Bridge, which is owned and operated by VicRoads, was inspected earlier this year and deemed unsafe due to the deterioration of the deck.
John Moylan, acting regional director of Metro North West Region VicRoads, said rehabilitation works on the bridge were expected to begin in early August.
“The $230,000 project will replace the bridge deck to improve safety. VicRoads expects work to be complete and the bridge re-opened to the public in November this year,” Mr Moylan said.
Keilor Historical Society’s Susan Jennison said the bridge had huge significance in the area.
Ms Jennison said while it had only been used for foot traffic and bicycles in recent years, it still played an important role in the community.
“A large portion of money used to build the bridge was contributed by residents in the 1900s,” she said.
Considered a rare and intact example of 19th century Victorian engineering, constructed directly as a response to the transport demands of the gold rushes, the bridge is one of the earliest fabricated iron bridges in the state.
