Great Ocean Road roadworks expected to last all summer as Spout Creek bridge replaced

It’s one of our most celebrated roads and a huge tourist drawcard. For the next eight months one stretch will be replaced with ongoing roadworks expected.

The Great Ocean Road arch, just before the Spout Creek bridge, which will be replaced.

Work has started on replacing a bridge on the Great Ocean Road, with eight months of delays expected.

Crews have begun construction on the $6m project, which will see Spout Creek bridge, located between Torquay and Lorne, replaced.

The span was built in 1954 and widened in 1973.

Works on the project are expected to take around eight months to complete, weather permitting, with construction to run over the tourist hotspot’s peak summer months.

About six million visitors use the road each year.

About six million visitors use the Great Ocean Road every year. Picture: iStock

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said the bridge needed replacing after decades of wear and tear to avoid having load limits implemented in the future.

“After decades of service, we’re retiring the old bridge at Spout Creek with a brand-new structure to keep our community moving and avoid the need for load limits in the future,” Ms Tierney said.

Works will include a new bridge deck, new bridge railings and raising the height of the road on the approach to the bridge to meet the height of the new bridge.

Construction will be completed in two stages in order to keep one lane open to traffic at all times, with temporary traffic lights on-site to support traffic flow.

Drivers are being warned to expect minor delays over this time.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said the Great Ocean Road was vital link for more millions of tourists each year and the many coastal communities that relied on it.

“This bridge replacement at Spout Creek will ensure this iconic route remains safe and accessible for everyone,” she said.

The upgrade comes as part of the Labor Government’s Structure Renewal Program, which focuses on inspecting, repairing and rebuilding vital transport infrastructure right across the state.

Originally published as Great Ocean Road roadworks expected to last all summer as Spout Creek bridge replaced