FAQs
- $5 million Federal Government Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program grant,
- $2.76 million from Moyne Shire Council.
- Total cost $7.76 million.
Is the bridge replacement project ahead, or behind schedule?
The project is on track for works to commence in early-to-mid 2027 and last up to six to eight months. Confirming a start date will mainly be subject to permit and approval timelines.
How exactly is the project being funded?
The breakdown of funding is as follows:
Who is the contractor that council has engaged for the works?
Council has engaged Murray Constructions, a family-owned construction company based in Deniliquin, NSW, who specialise in delivering infrastructure projects across regional Australia.
Will Council be upgrading the intersection of Woodbine Road and the Princes Highway to improve safety?
Council has met with the Department to discuss the intersection and the expected impacts of the bridge closure on traffic volumes. During these discussions, Council has asked for consideration of safety improvements and potential upgrades to help manage changed traffic movements.
Any decision regarding works at the intersection rests with the Department. Council will continue to engage with Department representatives and advocate for measures that support the safety of all road users.
What factors will determine the start date?
Project planning has considered the best time of year for construction to manage the impacts on local and regional events, the visitor economy and local businesses. Any changes to the start date – including earlier commencement – will be communicated as soon as this is confirmed.
How will council keep the community informed about the project?
Council will provide updates through social media, the Engage Moyne website, newsletters, resident and business mail-outs, information sessions, meetings with the Community Reference Group, project signage and QR codes and updates to the project plan and key milestones.
What will happen when the current bridge is demolished?
Once main bridge works commence, the bridge will be closed and there will be no vehicle or pedestrian access across the Moyne River at this location. It is acknowledged that construction of the new bridge will impact residents, businesses, visitors, emergency services, events and Port of Port Fairy users; however, the footbridge will remain open 24/7 to pedestrians and cyclists.
How will residents, visitors, school buses and emergency services access Griffiths Street when the bridge is closed?
Via the Princes Highway and Woodbine Road. Further planning and discussions regarding service options on both sides of the Moyne River are underway, however, with more details to be provided. A temporary river crossing is not possible due to land, property, road access, tidal conditions and other constraints.
What plans are in place to deal with the bridge’s closure?
Council is developing a management and communications plans covering the bridge’s closure, construction, traffic, risk and emergency management. The Bridge Closure Management Plan will be shared with community for feedback once the draft is finalised.
Will there be ongoing community information sessions?
A program of community information sessions is being planned for key milestones and activity points across the life of the project.
What happens in the event of a critical incident on or near Griffiths Street?
Council is working with Victoria Police, CFA, SES, ambulance and health services to understand and manage impacts and access.
In the event of an incident, emergency services from Port Fairy, Koroit and Warrnambool will activate a coordinated response.
The closest available responder(s) will access Griffiths Street via the Princes Highway and Woodbine Road, or via the footbridge if applicable.
More details will be provided, with the safety of the community the key priority.
What will the replacement bridge look like?
It is a three-pile, four-span 65.3m concrete bridge. It takes into account design and construction standards, flood modelling, site conditions, utility services, safe pedestrian and cycling access, existing road and footpath connections and long-term maintenance and renewal. There will also be two on-road designated bike lanes.
Will materials such as timber and stone from the old bridge be available for community or residents to use?
Council will recycle materials where practical for reuse as part of interpretation or landscaping initiatives; however, demolition methods will significantly limit the amount of material that can be salvaged.
What has been achieved to date?
Council is now coordinating permits. It has checked river and flood impacts, consulted with the local community, emergency services and other stakeholders, managed the Federal Government grant and appointed the successful tenderer for the new bridge’s construction.
How long will it take to drive when the detour is in place?
A typical trip from Griffiths Street to the Port Fairy shops will take approximately 15 minutes one way.
Will extra parking spaces be available close to the footbridge?
Council is exploring options and will release more details ahead of the bridge’s closure.
How will the old bridge’s history be recognised?
Historical signage will feature along the top rail of the two lookouts to illustrate the history of bridge and causeway crossings, as well as the construction of the new bridge. Council will also investigate other interpretive and landscaping elements as part of ongoing design planning and community engagement.
Will the demolition and construction of the new bridge impact the local environment?
Historical signage will feature along the top rail of the two lookouts to illustrate the history of bridge and causeway crossings, as well as the construction of the new bridge. Council will also investigate other interpretive and landscaping elements as part of ongoing design planning and community engagement.
Is council planning to celebrate the new bridge’s opening with an event?
Yes. The Community Reference Group will have input as to how the opening should be celebrated.
What can people do if they have questions about the project?
You can email pmo@moyne.vic.gov.au or contact Moyne Shire customer service 1300 65 65 64.
A dedicated project phone number will also be in place once the timeline for works is confirmed.