Gipps Street bridge replacement project

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With the Federal Government's announcement of $5 million funding contribution from Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, with a further $2.76 million from Moyne Shire to the project Council has developed a concept plan showing a representation of the style and design of the proposed new bridge in Port Fairy.

The concept is based on:

  • Department of Transport statutory design and construction standards
  • Independent flood modelling based on a number of different bridge designs including height, abutments and number of piers.
  • Construction methodologies that consider the site, location, constraints and desired timeframes
  • Provision of critical water assets for the town of Port Fairy that are currently connected to the existing bridge
  • Provision of a safe pedestrian footpath and bike lanes as part of the new bridge
  • Achievable and practical connections to the existing road and footpath network
  • Ongoing maintenance and longer-term renewal management.

The concrete bridge has two piers, two-way vehicle access, a pedestrian footpath on the upstream side of the bridge to link in with the broader footpath network and options for either on-road or shared bicycle lanes.

Key tasks to deliver the project are listed in the project milestones. Council is currently forecasting construction commencement April 2027.


Current bridge condition

Further background to the project and updated condition reports and usability of the current bridge can be found on our Gipps Street Bridge Engage page.


Moyne Shire Council would like to acknowledge the Federal Government $5 million funding contribution to the project through the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure program.

With the Federal Government's announcement of $5 million funding contribution from Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, with a further $2.76 million from Moyne Shire to the project Council has developed a concept plan showing a representation of the style and design of the proposed new bridge in Port Fairy.

The concept is based on:

  • Department of Transport statutory design and construction standards
  • Independent flood modelling based on a number of different bridge designs including height, abutments and number of piers.
  • Construction methodologies that consider the site, location, constraints and desired timeframes
  • Provision of critical water assets for the town of Port Fairy that are currently connected to the existing bridge
  • Provision of a safe pedestrian footpath and bike lanes as part of the new bridge
  • Achievable and practical connections to the existing road and footpath network
  • Ongoing maintenance and longer-term renewal management.

The concrete bridge has two piers, two-way vehicle access, a pedestrian footpath on the upstream side of the bridge to link in with the broader footpath network and options for either on-road or shared bicycle lanes.

Key tasks to deliver the project are listed in the project milestones. Council is currently forecasting construction commencement April 2027.


Current bridge condition

Further background to the project and updated condition reports and usability of the current bridge can be found on our Gipps Street Bridge Engage page.


Moyne Shire Council would like to acknowledge the Federal Government $5 million funding contribution to the project through the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure program.

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 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?

    about 1 month 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 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 27 days 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 Twitter Share What’s next? on Linkedin Email What’s next? link

    What’s next?

    about 1 month 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 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?

    about 1 month 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 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?

    about 1 month 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 Twitter Share Will the bridge close during construction? on Linkedin Email Will the bridge close during construction? link

    Will the bridge close during construction?

    about 1 month 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 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?

    about 1 month 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 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?

    about 1 month 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 Twitter Share Who is funding the project? on Linkedin Email Who is funding the project? link

    Who is funding the project?

    about 1 month 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 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?

    about 1 month 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: 05 Nov 2025, 08:50 AM