This could be done at a cost of $225,000.

However, Collector resident Mr. Frank Ross, who attended the meeting, told Council that the proposal ignored "180 years experience" of local residents and would destroy a heritage structure.

He described the bridge as providing the most important entrance to the village, catering for traffic from Canberra.

Such a low structure as proposed would create a danger of cars being washed off at times of flooding, with debris coming down stream tending to create a dam.

It would also alter the extent of the floodplain.

Mr. Mowle responded that a structure with 2.7 metre clearance would cost around $600,000.

But he was happy to add to his recommendation that Council return to its consultants to do a computer analysis to get an urgent evaluation of what the flood plain would be with the proposed structure.

"We must show due diligence," he said.

The recommendation that the bridge be closed immediately was carried on the motion of Cr. James Wheelwright and Cr. Brian Moloney.

Additionally, research of the bridge history through RTA records will be undertaken to identify any unusual features will be carried out and a historical register created containing all documentation of the bridge and an extensive set of images obtained before demolition.

Barriers will be erected to through traffic early in June, and rock ballast placed across the creek to allow settlement for three months.

Completion of the project could take up to seven months.

Closure of the bridge will leave the village single access at the northern end to the highway.