Surf Coast Hwy to close for a month for realignment works, commuters told to expect delays

Commuters have been warned to expect delays, with a busy stretch of the Surf Coast Hwy set to close for four weeks for realignment works.

The Surf Coast Hwy will close for four weeks in February, to allow for the realignment of the road to its original position after the installation of a railway bridge. Picture: supplied.

Commuters have been warned to expect delays, with a busy stretch of the Surf Coast Hwy set to close for a month.

The closure will take place between February 9 and March 7, as the road is returned to its original alignment under the recently installed rail bridge.

Crews will work around the clock during the four-week closure, which will impact the 29,000 vehicles that use the road each day.

Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time with detour routes available via the Geelong Ring Road, Barwon Heads Rd, Horseshoe Bend Rd and Ghazeepore Rd.

South Barwon MP, Darren Cheeseman, said the installation of the 1700-tonne railway bridge and the finished road works will allow the Geelong line to be more efficient.

“A huge amount of work will take place in February, bringing us closer to delivering more frequent services and better stations for passengers on Victoria’s busiest regional rail line,” he said.

“I want to thank locals for their patience while the Surf Coast Highway is closed, it will be disruptive for a short period but will be well worth it when the level crossing is gone for good later this year.”

Work between the level crossing and Baanip Boulevard will include asphalting, kerb and medium strip construction, guard rail installation, bike lane reintroduction and light pole installation.

Trenching and installation of drainage infrastructure across the highway will also take place.

Last August it was announced work by artist Billy-Jay (BJ) O’Toole would festoon the railway bridge as one of a number of artists to decorate work along the railway line.

The bridge was installed in September.

The government said train services would also be impacted by project works in early February, with coaches partially or completely replacing Geelong and Warrnambool trains between Saturday 3 February to Sunday 11 February.

Commuters are advised to check the PTV website ahead of travel.

The facelifts of Marshall and South Geelong stations will also continue, with work including cladding, installing utilities and canopy roofing.

Vital track drainage and landscaping works between Marshall Station and Barwon Heads Rd will also take place, while the Fyans St level crossing will be removed.

The South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication will enable five train services per hour during peak hour and three per hour during off peak hours, on weekdays at Marshall and Waurn Ponds stations.

The project is expected to be complete later this year.

Originally published as Surf Coast Hwy to close for a month for realignment works, commuters told to expect delays