Princes Highway East - Bridge strengthening at Bunyip River, Longwarry

Update – September 2025

Our strengthening works to upgrade the westbound (Melbourne bound) bridge of the Princes Highway crossing Bunyip River at Longwarry have been completed.

The bridge is fully open to traffic and the width restriction and temporary speed limit have been removed.

The works included: 

• adding additional piling to the pillar structures
• strengthening and widening existing pile caps
• carbon and steel strengthening of concrete slab
• construction of reinforced concrete bridge deck
• asphalt resurfacing to the bridge deck, and
• upgrading of on-bridge railings and off-bridge safety barrier.

A stronger Bunyip River Bridge boosts the capacity of this important freight corridor that is essential to supporting local industries and our economy.

These upgrades mean that High Productivity Freight Vehicles (HPFVs) will be able to use the westbound bridge.

These efficiencies will flow through to producers and improve the competitiveness of Victoria’s industries.

No works are required for the eastbound bridge as this bridge was built later than the westbound bridge and already has HPFV access. 

Overview

Victoria’s freight industry is growing every year, increasing the need for safer, more efficient road networks.

To meet this demand, significant investments are being made to enhance safety, boost freight capacity, and drive economic productivity. Strengthening bridges for High Productivity Freight Vehicles (HPFVs) reduces costs, increase productivity and create more jobs.

The growth of larger vehicles that can carry more freight is essential in ensuring that the capacity of Victoria’s road network expands without exponentially increasing the number of heavy vehicles on our roads.

The Princes Highway East is one of Victoria’s key freight corridors, connecting Melbourne to Gippsland and playing a vital role in supporting the region’s industries and economy.

A stronger Bunyip River Bridge delivers lasting benefits to producers, industries, and communities in Gippsland by improving productivity and strengthening Victoria’s freight network.

The Bunyip River Bridge in Longwarry was constructed in 1958 and accommodates two lanes of westbound traffic on the Princes Highway East.

The Australian Government committed $5.88 million towards this project, with the Victorian Government committing $321,000.

The project is delivered as part of the Australian Government’s $316.3 million commitment towards upgrades along the Princes Highway Corridor in Victoria.

Protecting our environment  

Some vegetation, including a native tree, had to be removed for the bridge strengthening works to take place.

We undertook targeted surveys and investigations to identify the required native vegetation offsets and controls to minimise flora and fauna impact.

We obtained a Works on Waterways permit from Melbourne Water and ensured our works did not affect the health of the waterway.

Environmental approvals for these works were obtained and work was carried out in accordance with a Construction Environmental Management Plan. 

Get in touch

For more information about this project:

Email: [email protected]

Call:    133 778

Write: Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) GPO Box 2392, Melbourne 3001

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