Construction begins to rehabilitate San Remo Bridge in VIC

The Allan Labor Government is getting on with protecting the vital connection to Phillip Island, with works now underway to restore the San Remo Bridge.

The $50 million project will improve the bridge’s long-term durability as well as restore its service life, structural integrity and usability, ensuring safe passage for vehicles and pedestrians.

In addition, rehabilitating San Remo Bridge will help maintain its current capacity to provide continued functionality and reliability.

The bridge connects San Remo on mainland Victoria and Newhaven on Phillip Island, carrying about 3.5 million tourists visiting the island each year and between 10,000 and 15,000 vehicles of varying sizes every day, depending on the season.

San Remo Bridge, also known as Phillip Island Bridge, is one of the busiest and most important connection in regional Victoria.

“We’re getting on with the job of restoring the San Remo Bridge, keeping it safe and reliable for the millions of motorists who rely on it every year,” Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ros Spence said.

“This $50 million investment recognises how important the San Remo Bridge is to Bass Coast families and ensures it serves the community for generations to come,” Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale said.

Project map (source: Transport Victoria)

Throughout construction, the bridge will remain open to traffic and pedestrians, with lane and path closures kept to a minimum.

The works are highly technical and need to be undertaken carefully to protect marine life and the environment.

Most works will take place underneath the bridge to rehabilitate the structure, with minimal road disruptions to the community. Crews will generally work between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday, and 7am to 1pm on Saturdays. Some works will be carried out at night, Sundays or on Public Holidays.

There will be no impact on bus stops or public transport, and access for marine vessels under the bridge will also remain available under one of the three spans. Passenger cars, grocery deliveries and essential services will won’t be affected as well.

From 3 August until late 2026, a temporary 62.7-tonne mass limit will be applied to heavy vehicles crossing the bridge. Before beginning their journeys, heavy vehicle operators are advised to visit National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s National Network Map for up-to-date information on limits.

Rehabilitation of San Remo Bridge is expected to be completed in mid-2028.

Source: Premier of Victoria – Media Centre; Victoria’s Big Build – Big Build Roads; Transport Victoria