Freight vehicles transporting grain to GeelongPort have been re-routed due to bridge upgrade works currently underway at Corio Quay Road in North Geelong, managed by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).
The City of Greater Geelong has worked closely with DTP to identify and implement a temporary alternate route to ensure continued access for high-productivity freight vehicles (HPFVs).
As part of the detour, HPFVs are now travelling through sections of Gheringhap Street and Mercer Street in the Geelong CBD.
GeelongPort is Victoria's largest bulk port and plays a vital role in supporting the state's agricultural sector.
Without urgent intervention, the disruption risked significant impacts on the economy and food supply chain.
To ensure the route could safely accommodate the heavy vehicle loads, the City's Civil Infrastructure team conducted rapid inspections of local roads and underlying infrastructure, including heritage drainage systems.
The route has been confirmed to support loads of up to 83 tonnes. Further assessments are ongoing to determine whether the full 90-tonne capacity typically used by these freight vehicles can be supported.
This complex inspection process, which would typically take up to two months, was completed in under three weeks—reflecting the City's commitment to supporting industry and the economy.
The detour is expected to remain in place until late 2025 with the detour route open seven days a week, between 9.30am and 2.30pm.
