Section of Forestry Road in Shire of Harvey closed due to ‘catastrophic bridge failure’ over Mangosteen Drain

A major route between the Harvey townsite and Forrest Highway has been partially closed as the result of “a catastrophic bridge failure”. Forestry Road has been closed between the Crampton Road and Taylors Lane intersection and Myalup-Harvey Road after a wooden pillar gave way on the bridge over Mangosteen Drain in Uduc. The bridge was shut to all traffic on November 10, with a Shire of Harvey spokesperson stating the decision was made “due to the possible threat of a total collapse of the structure”. Water Corporation owns the bridge, which was built in 1975. A spokesperson for the State Government-owned utility said the issue was discovered following a “routine inspection”. It is understood repairs will take place as soon as possible, with hopes to have it reopened to traffic by early December. Residents in Harvey and surrounding areas are being asked to use Riverdale Road to access Forrest Highway while urgent repairs are undertaken on the bridge. The popular Old Coast Road Brewery and the Myalup Pines Cottages can still be accessed from the Forrest Highway. Residents living on either side of the closed bridge may access their properties as usual, with Forestry Road still open to eastbound traffic up to Harvey-Myalup Road. Harvey-Myalup Road remains open up to the Forestry Road intersection.