The Pollocksford Road bridge, Gnarwarre, has been closed until repairs can be made to the bridge structure. Detours are in place along Merrawarp Road.
Despite a three-tonne load limit and speed restriction of 10 km/h being put in place, heavy vehicles continued to use the bridge, placing the structure at risk.
"We really would prefer not to close the bridge as we know it will be disruptive for those that use it regularly." Surf Coast Shire General Manager Placemaking and Environment, Chris Pike said.
"We apologise for the inconvenience but we can't gamble with people's safety."
"We're working through the options to repair the bridge as quickly as we can and once we know construction timelines, we'll let people know."
McHarry's, who run the school buses that run along Pollocksford Road, are implementing a new school bus route for Term 2 and have notified affected parents.
Pollocksford Road bridge is on the boundary of Surf Coast Shire and Golden Plains Shire and the two councils are working closely on options.
