Port Fairy’s Gipps Street bridge to close for six months for $7m replacement

After months of temporary repairs and mounting concern over Port Fairy's ageing Gipps Street Bridge, contracts have finally been signed for its long-awaited replacement, tipped to cost $7.75 million.

What happened: Moyne Shire Council has appointed Murray Constructions to design and construct the new crossing following a competitive tender process, with contracts finalised this week.

🗣️ "This is a major step forward for this vital project and an important investment in critical infrastructure for Port Fairy," Mayor Jordan Lockett said in a statement.

How long will it take? Construction is expected to take up to 10 months, with a full bridge closure anticipated for up to six months during the works, meaning drivers entering town from Warrnambool will travel along the Princes Highway, instead of turning onto Griffiths Street.

The current situation: The existing timber bridge, built in the early 1900s, connects South Beach with the town centre and carries about 4,000 vehicles each day. 

• It has been subject to load and speed restrictions after reaching the end of its serviceable life last year.

• Last year, the bridge made headlines after fresh holes appeared in the road surface, forcing the council to install steel plates while engineers carried out daily inspections and temporary repairs.

• Councillor Karen Foster told the Brolga last July the bridge needed to be replaced “within the year”.

Complete overhaul: The new reinforced concrete bridge will cater for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists while improving flood resilience from the Moyne River.

• The $7.75 million project will be funded through a $5 million Australian Government grant under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program and a $2.75 million contribution from council.

Now what? Work will now focus on the bridge's functional design before approvals are sought from the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action.

• Lockett said council would continue consulting residents to help manage disruption during construction, with regular project updates to be provided as planning progresses.