Gipps Street bridge replacement project

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Moyne Shire Council is progressing the Gipps Street Bridge Replacement Project to deliver a safe, reliable and accessible crossing that meets current engineering, transport and flood resilience standards while supporting the long-term needs of the Port Fairy community.

Jointly funded through a $5 million Australian Government contribution and a $2.76 million Council investment, the project will replace the existing bridge with a modern structure that provides two-way vehicle access, improved pedestrian facilities, safer cycling connections and accommodation for critical water infrastructure.

Significant planning and preparatory work has been completed, including flood modelling, environmental and geotechnical assessments, stakeholder engagement, utility planning and approvals processes.

Following a competitive procurement process, contracts have now been awarded, marking a major milestone in the project’s delivery. Community feedback has helped shape the concept design and will continue to inform future project phases as Council progresses detailed design, construction planning and ongoing engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders.

Engage Moyne Privacy Collection Notice

Moyne Shire Council is progressing the Gipps Street Bridge Replacement Project to deliver a safe, reliable and accessible crossing that meets current engineering, transport and flood resilience standards while supporting the long-term needs of the Port Fairy community.

Jointly funded through a $5 million Australian Government contribution and a $2.76 million Council investment, the project will replace the existing bridge with a modern structure that provides two-way vehicle access, improved pedestrian facilities, safer cycling connections and accommodation for critical water infrastructure.

Significant planning and preparatory work has been completed, including flood modelling, environmental and geotechnical assessments, stakeholder engagement, utility planning and approvals processes.

Following a competitive procurement process, contracts have now been awarded, marking a major milestone in the project’s delivery. Community feedback has helped shape the concept design and will continue to inform future project phases as Council progresses detailed design, construction planning and ongoing engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders.

Engage Moyne Privacy Collection Notice

Gipps Street Bridge replacement project Q&A

You can at any time, post any question you may have in relation to the Gipps Street Bridge replacement project.  

Council will review questions posted and provide a response through this page. 

 Please note:

  • Questions and responses will be publicly available once their content has been checked for any defamatory or unacceptable language or comments.   
  • Questions should be posted anonymously, and Council will not make available or publicise any identifiable information.  
  • If you would like to ask a question and receive an individual response, please email your question to moyne@moyne.vic.gov.au and your question will sent onto an appropriate officer. 
  • All information received will be treated in accordance with Council’s Engage Moyne Privacy Collection Notice policy.
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  • Share Why do the traffic lights take so long? on Facebook Share Why do the traffic lights take so long? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Why do the traffic lights take so long? on Linkedin Email Why do the traffic lights take so long? link

    Why do the traffic lights take so long?

    9 months ago

    The traffic light sequencing was recently adjusted to reduce wait times.

    You should now spend less time at a red light.

  • Share Hi, are you able to please provide more information about what to expect regarding the traffic flow and reduction to one lane? Is this now in place until the new construction of the bridge? Additionally, will there be a reference group or engagement specifically with residents who live on the East Beach side of the bridge so we can work together to discuss ideas and solutions of access during bridge closure? Thank you on Facebook Share Hi, are you able to please provide more information about what to expect regarding the traffic flow and reduction to one lane? Is this now in place until the new construction of the bridge? Additionally, will there be a reference group or engagement specifically with residents who live on the East Beach side of the bridge so we can work together to discuss ideas and solutions of access during bridge closure? Thank you on X (formerly Twitter) Share Hi, are you able to please provide more information about what to expect regarding the traffic flow and reduction to one lane? Is this now in place until the new construction of the bridge? Additionally, will there be a reference group or engagement specifically with residents who live on the East Beach side of the bridge so we can work together to discuss ideas and solutions of access during bridge closure? Thank you on Linkedin Email Hi, are you able to please provide more information about what to expect regarding the traffic flow and reduction to one lane? Is this now in place until the new construction of the bridge? Additionally, will there be a reference group or engagement specifically with residents who live on the East Beach side of the bridge so we can work together to discuss ideas and solutions of access during bridge closure? Thank you link

    Hi, are you able to please provide more information about what to expect regarding the traffic flow and reduction to one lane? Is this now in place until the new construction of the bridge? Additionally, will there be a reference group or engagement specifically with residents who live on the East Beach side of the bridge so we can work together to discuss ideas and solutions of access during bridge closure? Thank you

    Narelle Allen asked 9 months ago

    Repair works to 18 bridge piles that form part of the bridge substructure and foundations will start on Monday 10 November 2025 and will take approximately 10 days to complete.   As these works progress, Council will assess if and when any changes can be made to the current one-lane traffic and 10-tonne load limit.  

    Expressions of interest to be part of a community project reference group were advertised in September/October and have now closed. Assessment of EOIs received is currently underway with the group to become active from February 2026. We are hopefully expecting to include representation from residents on the beach side of the bridge.  

  • Share What’s next? on Facebook Share What’s next? on X (formerly Twitter) Share What’s next? on Linkedin Email What’s next? link

    What’s next?

    9 months ago

    Council is finalising tender documentation for a Design and Construct contract. 

    Once the tender is awarded, the community will be updated on timelines for construction and any traffic impacts.

  • Share Why can’t Council just put in a temporary bridge? on Facebook Share Why can’t Council just put in a temporary bridge? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Why can’t Council just put in a temporary bridge? on Linkedin Email Why can’t Council just put in a temporary bridge? link

    Why can’t Council just put in a temporary bridge?

    9 months ago

    A temporary bridge is not practical at this location due to the narrow site, tidal river conditions, heritage setting, and high cost.

    Installing a temporary structure would require the same environmental and marine approvals as a full bridge project and could cost millions, without offering a long-term solution. 

    Council’s focus is on delivering the permanent replacement as soon as possible.

  • Share Why spend money fixing the existing bridge if it’s being replaced? on Facebook Share Why spend money fixing the existing bridge if it’s being replaced? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Why spend money fixing the existing bridge if it’s being replaced? on Linkedin Email Why spend money fixing the existing bridge if it’s being replaced? link

    Why spend money fixing the existing bridge if it’s being replaced?

    9 months ago

    These short-term works are about keeping the bridge safe and open until the new one can be built.

    If we did nothing, the bridge would likely have to close immediately — cutting off access completely. 

    Maintaining safety now prevents a full closure and keeps the community connected.

  • Share Will the bridge close during construction? on Facebook Share Will the bridge close during construction? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Will the bridge close during construction? on Linkedin Email Will the bridge close during construction? link

    Will the bridge close during construction?

    9 months ago

    Some closures or restrictions are likely during demolition and construction. Details will be shared once the design and staging plan are finalised.

  • Share Why can’t emergency services be exempt from the weight limit? on Facebook Share Why can’t emergency services be exempt from the weight limit? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Why can’t emergency services be exempt from the weight limit? on Linkedin Email Why can’t emergency services be exempt from the weight limit? link

    Why can’t emergency services be exempt from the weight limit?

    9 months ago

    The weight limit applies to all vehicles. Allowing heavier vehicles, even occasionally, could further damage the bridge or cause failure. 

    Council continues to work with agencies to minimise impacts.

  • Share What does this mean for emergency vehicles? on Facebook Share What does this mean for emergency vehicles? on X (formerly Twitter) Share What does this mean for emergency vehicles? on Linkedin Email What does this mean for emergency vehicles? link

    What does this mean for emergency vehicles?

    9 months ago

    Most smaller vehicles, like ambulances, can still cross. 

    Larger vehicles like fire trucks may need to use alternate routes.

  • Share Who is funding the project? on Facebook Share Who is funding the project? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Who is funding the project? on Linkedin Email Who is funding the project? link

    Who is funding the project?

    9 months ago

    The replacement is supported by a $5 million Federal Government Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program grant, with additional funding from Council.

  • Share Why has the weight limit been reduced? on Facebook Share Why has the weight limit been reduced? on X (formerly Twitter) Share Why has the weight limit been reduced? on Linkedin Email Why has the weight limit been reduced? link

    Why has the weight limit been reduced?

    9 months ago

    Recent inspections found some bridge piles are badly deteriorated. 

    Lowering the weight limit reduces stress on the structure and keeps it safe for ongoing use until repair works can occur.

Page last updated: 22 Jul 2026, 10:18 AM