Bridges over troubled waters (Dec 2025 edition)

The change in funding arrangements led the council in 2024 to defer a decision on the replacement of Slaughterhouse Bridge pending further clarification regarding funding options.

With a limited bridge repair budget of just $250,000 in 2025/26, the shire faces a significant financial hurdle, particularly as there are 15 traffic bridges in the district managed by the local authority.

The closure of Slaughterhouse Bridge has particularly impacted residents on Toodyay West Road, who now face longer detours.

Prior to its closure, a 9-tonne load limit was in place, forcing heavier vehicles to use Julimar Road.

With the indefinite closure of Slaughterhouse Bridge to ensure public safety Toodyay Shire has put in place two detours with the first being Picnic Hill Road to Toodyay-Bindi Bindi Road and the second Toodyay West Road with traffic diverting to Julimar Road.

Slaughterhouse Bridge is not listed on the Heritage Council of Western Australia’s Register of Heritage Places and while it has historic value, its future rests with a modern replacement rather than preservation of the original structure.

For West Toodyay residents, however, bridge replacement might be some time away, given funding uncertainty.

Adding to the shire’s challenges, Dumbarton Bridge, estimated to be 120 years old, has also exceeded its service life.

Main Roads has indicated that sub-structure repairs are needed at an estimated cost of $1,371,000.

While Main Roads WA has committed to seeking maintenance funding from its 2026/27 Bridge Program for these repairs, the future remains unclear.

If funding is unsuccessful, load limits may be imposed on Dumbarton Bridge, further disrupting local traffic.

At its November 2025 meeting, the council endorsed Dumbarton Bridge as a high-priority asset, citing the lack of a practical detour and the significantly higher replacement costs compared with Slaughterhouse Bridge.