Plans to repair the historical Pollocksford Road bridge are progressing, with works expected to begin on site in November and be completed in April 2027.
The project will include replacing the existing bridge deck, repairing the eastern and western bluestone abutments, refurbishing the existing structural steel and installing new barriers and guardrail.
Detailed design of the new deck is underway. Works on site are expected to begin in November 2026, subject to all necessary approvals being received.
The first stage of on-site construction will involve installing scaffolding around the bridge and enclosing it with an environmental containment system.
The containment system is required because the existing coating on the bridge's steel structure contains lead. It will help prevent lead-containing materials and demolition debris from entering the river during the works.
The project will also include repairs to the eastern and western bluestone abutments, which will be carried as per the planning heritage overlay.
The bridge was closed in April 2024, after a routine inspection found structural issues had deteriorated more quickly than expected and were impacting the bridge's integrity.
Bridge closure during works
For safety, Pollocksford Road bridge will be closed to all traffic during construction, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
An exclusion zone will also be established underneath the bridge while works are underway.
When the bridge reopens, the existing 20-tonne load limit will be reinstated. A physical deterrent will also be installed to prevent oversized trucks from using the bridge.
Buses and CFA trucks will continue to be able to use the bridge once it reopens.
The full list of works include:
- Detailed design of the new bridge deck and required approvals.
- Installation of temporary scaffolding and environmental containment.
- Removal of the existing deck, including the asphalt surface, steel trough decking and nominated cross beams.
- Removal of the existing bridge barriers.
- Repairs to the eastern and western bluestone abutments.
- Installation of a new bridge deck.
- Refurbishment of structural steel, including pressure washing, spot priming and coating.
- Installation of a new barrier and guardrail system.
- Road transition works, including guardrail, line marking, signage and drainage.
- Installation of signage and traffic controls to prevent oversized vehicles from using the bridge.
The Pollocksford Road bridge is located on the boundary of Surf Coast Shire and Golden Plains Shire. Both councils are contributing to the cost of the works, with Surf Coast Shire Council managing the project on behalf of both councils.
