The Barwon Heads Bridge reconstruction will start early June 2009. The project will progress in stages over a two year period, with completion likely by end 2010.
The existing road bridge, built in 1927, is rapidly reaching the end of its operational life. In January 2005, a 16 tonne speed load limit was imposed on the bridge due to its deteriorating condition.
The results of a 2006 inspection gave the bridge four to six more working years. The inspection identified extensive deterioration of the concrete deck, rotting and splitting of timber, rotting and cracking of piles, wales and cross-bracing and rusting and pitting of the steel beams.
In 2007, VicRoads submitted a plan to Heritage Victoria to widen and adapt the bridge. Following advice from Heritage Victoria and in response to community feedback, that plan was withdrawn.
A revised plan was developed for a new parallel pedestrian bridge and a reconstructed bridge for vehicles. This was in accordance with the Victorian Government appointed Advisory Committee’s second preference. We consulted Heritage Victoria and employed heritage and architectural experts to develop the revised plan.
The Minister for Planning issued a ministerial amendment to the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme to allow the project to proceed. Consent was received from the Department of Sustainability and Environment under the Coastal Management Act and from Corangamite Catchment Management Authority. VicRoads also has an agreement from the Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative.
- Reconstruct and adapt the existing road bridge in line with heritage values and current building standards
- Build a separate, contemporary, yet complementary pedestrian bridge alongside the road bridge to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists and anglers
- Provide access for all vehicles across the Barwon estuary estate between Barwon heads and Ocean Grove
- Link the pedestrian and cycle networks on the east bank (Ocean Grove) and the west bank (Barwon Heads)
- The architecturally designed pedestrian bridge will complement the reconstructed road bridge
- Pedestrians, cyclists and anglers no longer have to share a bridge with vehicles
- Cyclists will benefit from marked cycling lanes on the bridge
- Pedestrians and cyclists will have a wider area to cross the river
- Anglers will enjoy a raised platform along the bridge where they can fish safely
- The new bridge will link to paths on both sides of the river
- Integrated lighting will improve safety and amenity
- Safe pedestrian crossings will be installed on approach roads.
In the last five years, VicRoads has invested $2.5 million to maintain Barwon Heads Bridge in a safe condition for ongoing public use. This is not a sustainable maintenance cost. The reconstruction allows us to address safety concerns surrounding this important structure.
This project provides an opportunity to ensure the bridge remains an iconic part of the landscape, yet also safe to use.
By adapting the existing bridge and building a new pedestrian bridge, the functionality and heritage values of the bridge are retained and amenity and recreational opportunities for people in the area are maximised.
The reconstructed bridge will use much timber from the existing bridge, maintaining its heritage appeal.
VicRoads received Coastal Consent from the Department of Sustainability and Environment. This requires us to:
- address all environmental issues associated with the project
- protect the coast near the bridge, during construction and in the long term
- identify suitable alternative parking areas to offset the impact of the pedestrian bridge on the Barwon Heads embankment
We are working with the Barwon Coast Committee of Management, and Council to achieve these aims.
The Barwon Heads Bridge is important to the community. There has been an extensive community consultation process to ensure the essence of the community is not lost in the reconstruction of the bridge.
Information Bulletin May 2009 [PDF, 116KB]VicRoads Letter of application[PDF, 24KB]
VicRoads Covering Report [PDF, 105KB, 25pp]
Structural Condition Report [PDF, 1.17MB, 50pp]
Advisory Committee Report [PDF, 427KB, 88pp]
Heritage Impact Statement [PDF, 240KB, 31pp]
Construction Management Plans -Part 1 [PDF 1989KB, 45pp]
Construction Management Plan - Part 2 [PDF, 1571KB, 76pp]
Development Plan -Part 1 [PDF, 1887KB, 50pp]
Development Plan - Part 2 [PDF, 1164KB, 53pp]
Conservation Management Plan Pt.1 [PDF, 2MB, 71pp]
Conservation Management Plan Pt.2 [PDF, 1.6MB, 23pp]
Conservation Management Plan Pt.3 [PDF, 1.8MB, 13pp]
Conservation Management Plan Pt.4 [PDF, 925KB, 12pp]
Archaeological Investigations
Archaeological Investigation Pt.1 [PDF, 1.5MB, 58pp]
Archaeological Investigation Pt.2 [PDF, 1.4MB, 16pp]
Archaeological Investigation Pt.3 [PDF, 1.7MB, 20pp]
Barwon Heads Bridge Application Plans Pt.1 [PDF, 1.75MB, 8pp]
Barwon Heads Bridge Application Plans Pt.2 [PDF, 1.9MB, 8pp]
Barwon Heads Bridge Application Plans Pt.3 [PDF, 2MB, 7pp]
Barwon Heads Bridge Application Plans Pt.4 [PDF, 1.7MB, 6pp]
Effects of Climate Change Supplementary Report [PDF, 50KB]
Hydraulic Assessment [PDF, 1MB, 6pp]
EPBC (Commonwealth)
Commonwealth Dept of Environment and Heritage [PDF, 25KB, 1pp]
Link to Commonweath EPBC site
Email: VicRoads South Western Region Project Team at barwonheadsbridge@roads.vic.gov.au
Phone : VicRoads South Western Region Project Office on 03 5225 2525
(during business hours Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm)
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