Upgrades underway at North Geelong rail bridge

UPGRADES are underway to improve safety for 31,000 vehicles travelling on the Separation Street rail bridge overpass at North Geelong on a daily basis.

The first stage of the $4.2 million state government led project will involve replacing the existing damaged steel balustrade bridge railing with new strong steel railing barriers on the Geelong-bound side of the overpass.

The works will reduce the risk of vehicles crashing through the barriers and improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles sharing the road.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne said the upgrades were an “important step towards building a safe road network for all Victorians”.

Member for Lara, Ella George said “this is all part of our massive investment towards road safety improvements – one of the most effective ways we can prevent serious injuries and help drive down road trauma”.

During the construction period, one of the Geelong-bound lanes on Melbourne Road will be closed and reduced speed limits will be in place.

The Separation Street rail bridge overpass runs over North Geelong’s busy Princes Highway (Melbourne Road) and is a key route for freight and regional industries, and commuters travelling between Geelong and Melbourne.

The project is part of the $105.7 million jointly funded Targeted Road Safety Works Programs, delivering infrastructure projects and urgent road safety improvements across the state.

The first stage of the project is expected to be completed in the coming days.