WORK has started to replaced the Chamberlains Road bridge damaged twice in 18 months by floods.
The bridge has been closed since May and Loddon Shire applications to the State Government for flood recovery funds were rejected.
Council then decided to Council to fund works from its own budget with residents off the Calder Highway, near Inglewood, being forced to detour 8km to reach their homes.
Crews last week removed the damaged culverts and the replacement project is scheduled to be completed in January and the bridge re-opened.
Replacement guard rails will also be installed next year.
The shire has been battling government red tape all year to access recovery funds from the October 2022 floods.
However, the council has been told that the approval process should be smoother before Christmas.