While some roads, such as Toora Road at Toora, remain partially submerged, many other previously inundated roads in the area have re-emerged, been inspected, repaired and can now be cautiously reopened with weight limits in place.

The Rural City of Murray Bridge Chief Executive Officer Michael Sedgman urged drivers to pay attention to updated signage and respect traffic load limits.

“We understand people are eager to access roads that have been unavailable for some time due to the Murray River flood, and we are working hard to restore access as quickly and safely as possible” he said.

“We don’t want to keep any roads closed longer than is absolutely necessary, but the safety of people remains our top priority and protecting Council roads from unnecessary degradation as conditions dry out and the environment settles is important.”

Mr Sedgman explained when roads are submerged in floodwater the pavement and road base becomes soft, and once water is no longer visible on road surfaces ground water can keep the roads vulnerable for some time.

“All flood impacted roads need to dry out to a certain extent before debris can be cleaned off and safety inspections can be undertaken by qualified experts,” he said.

“Once any road failures are repaired, heavy machinery is used to proof roll the roads and load limits are implemented if necessary.

“If too much weight is put on those roads too early it can cause further damage and become a more expensive exercise for Council in the long run.”

Mr Sedgman said some roads with extensive damage, such as sections of Long Flat Road in Murray Bridge, would remain closed for some time.

As more roads and reserves reopen during the flood recovery period, a full list of Council services and facilities impacted is updated on The Rural City of Murray Bridge website and updates will be posted to the Council’s Facebook page.

For all other flood related enquiries call the River Murray Flood Info Line on 1800 362 361 or visit ses.gov.au

Photo of flood level mark on road sign at South Bokara Road, Mypolonga – image credit: Glenn Power