Surf Coast Shire Council has received the concept design for the replacement of the Pollocksford Road Bridge deck, with further technical assessment now underway to ensure a safe and long-lasting repair.
The concept design proposes a heavier replacement deck, which may pose a potential risk to the existing bluestone piers, or columns, supporting the bridge.
To better understand and manage this risk - and ensure that the increased permanent load doesn't cause the piers to move - Council is engaging specialist bridge engineers. They will undertake a detailed risk assessment and advise on the scope and scale of any further geotechnical investigations required.
The bluestone piers form part of the bridge's original construction and are recognised as significant elements under the heritage overlay that applies to the site.
Acting CEO, Chris Pike thanked the community for their patience and apologised that the closure and subsequent repair works were taking much longer than expected.
"We understand the ongoing closure is frustrating for locals - but we want to make sure we deliver a safe, long-term solution."
"We know it may appear that little has been happening on site, but a significant amount of work is taking place behind the scenes to make sure this is done thoroughly and properly," said Mr Pike.
"Taking the time now to fully assess the risks will help avoid further closures or additional repair works in the future."
Once advice is received from the specialist bridge engineers, Council will open the project to tender. The tender will cover detailed design and construction. Further geotechnical investigations may be undertaken before the tender process opens, if recommended by the engineers.
When a contractor is appointed, a construction timeline will be developed and communicated to the community.
"Based on the current scope of works and the design work required, the bridge is expected to remain closed throughout 2026. We're sorry for the extended closure and appreciate the community's understanding while we take the time to get this right."
Mr Pike acknowledged that projects of this nature are not typically undertaken by Council, making specialist bridge engineer advice essential to ensure the works are completed safely, and the structural and heritage integrity of the bridge is maintained.
"We are carefully working through the complexities of this project to make sure we deliver a durable long-term solution that will see the upgraded bridge serve the community for decades," said Mr Pike.
Council previously advised that the concept design was expected to be completed by September, however the design process has taken longer than anticipated. This is due to the availability of specialist bridge engineers and the time required to complete detailed technical assessments, particularly given the bridge's heritage significance and structural complexity.
The Pollocksford Road Bridge is subject to a heritage overlay due to its historical significance as one of the earliest bridges constructed over the Barwon River. The four original bluestone piers and capped bluestone abutments are the bridge's key heritage elements. The bridge deck surface and guardrails are not considered heritage significant.
Background
A routine assessment of Pollocksford Road Bridge in March 2024 found structural issues had deteriorated more quickly than expected and were impacting the integrity of the bridge. A three-tonne load limit and speed reduction were introduced to allow the bridge to remain open. However, continued use by heavy vehicles placed the structure at risk, and the bridge was subsequently closed to all through traffic.
The bridge sits on the boundary of Surf Coast Shire and Golden Plains Shire, with both councils working together on the repair project. Surf Coast Shire Council is leading the work.
Find further information about the Pollocksford Road Bridge at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/PollocksfordRoadBridge
