Bridge rehabilitation works begin
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ros Spence has announced that works are now underway on the $50 million $50 million bridge rehabilitation project, with scaffolding being installed this week.
Works on the island’s most critical asset have officially begun, with crews to begin installing scaffolding on the underside of the San Remo Phillip Island bridge today (July 22).
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ros Spence has announced that works are now underway on the $50 million bridge rehabilitation project.
From Monday August 3 until late 2026, a temporary 62.5-tonne mass limit will apply to heavy vehicles crossing the bridge.
Passenger cars, grocery deliveries and essential services won't be affected and marine vessel access under the bridge will remain available.
Minister Spence said the bridge will remain open throughout works, with lane closures kept to a minimum.
“We're getting on with the job of restoring the San Remo Bridge, keeping it safe and reliable for the millions of motorists who rely on it every year,” the minister said.
A government spokesperson said the bridge carries 3.5 million tourists and up to 15,000 vehicles a day, making it one of regional Victoria’s busiest and most important connections.
“Works will improve the bridge’s long-term durability and are expected to be completed by mid-2028,” they said.
“The works are highly technical and need to be completed carefully to protect the marine life and environment.”
Heavy vehicle operators are advised to visit the National Heavy Regulator’s National Network Map for up-to-date information on limits.
Outgoing Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale MP announced funding for the rehabilitation works early last year, following a number of progressively more thorough inspections on the 57-year-old public asset.
“The $50 million investment recognises how important the San Remo Bridge is to Bass Coast families and ensures it serves the community for generations to come,” she said today.
Works to be undertaken include reinforcement of the bridge beams with high-strength steel tendons, repair to damaged concrete, and the installation of protective concrete jackets around the 36 bridge piers to reduce future corrosion.
The rehabilitation works are being carried out through the State Government’s Big Build Roads program.
More details in next week's paper.
