The Andrews Labor Government is upgrading barriers on the Separation Street rail bridge overpass in North Geelong to improve safety for all road users.
The first stage of the $4.2 million works is underway to replace the existing steel balustrade bridge railing, which was constructed in 1970, with a new stronger steel railing barrier on the Geelong-bound side of the overpass.
The Separation Street rail bridge overpass runs over North Geelong’s busy Princes Highway (Melbourne Road) – a key route for freight and regional industries accessing Geelong Port, and for commuters travelling between Geelong and Melbourne.
The barrier upgrades will improve travel for the 31,000 vehicles that travel along Melbourne Road each day, of which 2,500 of these are heavy vehicles.
Previous crashes on the bridge have caused significant damage to the original barriers. These works will reduce the risk of vehicles crashing through the barriers and improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles sharing the road.
During works, one Geelong-bound lane on Melbourne Road will be closed and reduced speed limits in place, with traffic controllers on site to help direct drivers.
The works will be delivered in two stages, with the first stage expected to be complete by the end of August 2023.
The project is part of the $105.7 million jointly funded Targeted Road Safety Works Program, which is delivering infrastructure projects and urgent road safety improvements across Victoria.
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
“These upgrades are an important step towards building a safe road network for all Victorians – protecting the drivers, bike riders and pedestrians who rely on them every day.”
As stated by Member for Lara Ella George
“This is all part of our massive investment towards road safety improvements – one of the most effective ways we can prevent serious injuries and help drive down road trauma.”
