Pedestrian detours in place as Newtown-Belmont river crossing closes for repairs

A POPULAR pedestrian bridge and river crossing connecting Newtown and Belmont will close for five months from May to allow for a major infrastructure upgrade.

The Macintyre Bridge is expected to remain out of service until late September while crews perform a major overhaul of the sewer main that transfers waste across the Barwon River.

The project involves relining the pipe and installing new safety panelling along the concrete walkway to ensure the long-term reliability of the Geelong wastewater network.

Barwon Asset Solutions general manager Anna Murray said the maintenance was necessary to protect the local environment and the bridge’s structural integrity.

“These works are being carried out so critical infrastructure continues to operate safely and reliably in the coming years,” she said.

“Renewing the sewer main will help safeguard the Barwon River and strengthen the overall reliability of the sewer network, while upgrades to the bridge will improve safety for walkers, joggers and cyclists.”

During the closure, pedestrians and cyclists will be diverted to alternative river crossings at Shannon Avenue and Moorabool Street.

Recreational river users will face changing restrictions on different sections of the water depending on construction activity, though regatta lane numbers will remain in use to support local rowers.

Nearby residents and river users have been advised they may notice increased noise, dust, and a temporary increase in odour for the duration of the works.

Barwon Water confirmed there will be no interruption to local water supplies while the repairs are carried out.

Opened in 1968, the bridge was named after John M Macintyre, a former engineer-in-chief of the Geelong Waterworks and Sewerage Trust and was one of the first in Australia designed using computer engineering.

Works are scheduled to begin on 4 May.