Projects

Nerrena Road (Tarwin River West Branch) bridge strengthening, Leongatha

We’re strengthening the Tarwin River West Branch bridge on Nerrena Road, between Leongatha and Nerrena, to improve safety and reliability for all road users.

Project status:

Underway

Update - May 2025

Works started in early May and are expected to be completed by mid 2025.

Traffic impacts

The bridge will remain open with one lane closed for majority of the works and a 40km/h speed limit in place
A narrow lane width limit will be in place during lane closures. Vehicles over three metres in width should seek an alternate route.
Traffic management personnel and temporary traffic lights will be on-site to help direct road users safely through the work zone.
Please allow extra travel time and be mindful of changed traffic conditions.

Details

The works will strengthen the bridge and improve safety by:

reinforcing the deck with concrete to support heavy vehicles
widening the traffic lanes on the bridge and road approaches
upgrading the bridge barrier railings and safety barriers on the approach to the bridge, and
strengthening of bridge pier crossheads.

Overview

Image of the Tarwin River West Branch bridge

The Tarwin River West Branch bridge on Nerrena Road will be strengthened to ensure safe and reliable road access.

Nerrena Road is a vital route for the community and freight, connecting Leongatha and Dumbalk while serving nearby farms, industry and quarries.

Built in 1970, the concrete bridge now requires strengthening to remain safe for all road users. The upgrades will also increase the bridge’s weight limit to 68.6 tonnes, allowing access for more heavy vehicles.

The project is being funded through the Australian Government Bridges Renewal Program with 20% funding contribution by the Victorian Government.

Protecting our environment

We understand the community’s commitment to protecting the environment and take our responsibility to improve road safety while minimising environmental impacts very seriously.

Our project teams design works to preserve as much vegetation as possible. However, some vegetation, including native trees, will need to be removed to allow for the bridge strengthening and barrier upgrades.

Environmental approvals have been obtained, and all works will follow a Construction Environmental Management Plan.

We’re also taking additional steps to protect vegetation and wildlife, including:

Engaging qualified experts to safely identify and relocate any wildlife before works begin.
Installing "No Go Zone" fencing to safeguard nearby vegetation.
Monitoring water quality in the Tarwin River West Branch.