Projects

Latrobe River Bridge Replacement

We’ve replaced the bridge over the Latrobe River on Tyers Road between Traralgon and Tyers.

Project status:

Complete

Update – August 2024

Final barrier installation and kerb works on the new Latrobe River Bridge have been completed and the 80km/h speed limit reinstated.

The new reinforced concrete bridge opened in December 2023 and the 30-tonne load limit was removed.

Safety has also been improved on Tyers Road with the realignment of the road and the installation of safety barriers and guard fence.

We thank you for your patience while we carried out these important works.

Overview

Built in 1936, the Latrobe River Bridge had a load limit of 30 tonnes, which will be removed once the bridge is replaced with a new reinforced concrete bridge.

Safety has also been improved on Tyers Road. Tyers Road has been realigned on each side of the bridge to remove the sharp curves and left-hand-side flexible safety barriers and guard fence have been installed to protect motorists if their vehicles leave the road.

Between 2012 and 2018 six people have been injured in crashes on the curves north and south of the bridge, and one person lost their life.

We also restored three spans (approximately 18.3 metres long) of the Bluff Causeway Bridge, which was built in 1920-21.

The new bridge is flood resilient. In the event of a flood, the new bridge will be re-opened quicker as the extensive structural investigations that were needed for the old bridge are not required. The adjoining road is flood resilient. A thick layer of rock has been placed under the new road pavement to help minimise impacts on the road surface from wet weather. Culverts have also been placed under the road to help with water flow and drainage.

When considering flood proofing the road including raising the height of the causeway and installing flood mitigation such as levee banks, requirements from the Catchment Management Authority must be met to ensure that areas upstream are not adversely impacted.

Benefits

By upgrading the bridge, we have removed the 30 tonne load limit, saving time and money for businesses that rely on being able to drive heavy vehicles through the area.
Removal of the current 30 tonne load restriction will save more than 10 minutes travel time for heavy vehicles. Local quarries, forestry, farms and small businesses that operate in your community will have great confidence for the future of efficient access for their operations.
Safer travel by realigning sections of the road to remove tight curves.
Better protection for motorists who run off the road by installing left-hand-side flexible safety barriers and guard fence.
A safe and secure future road connection between Traralgon and Tyers.