Queens Park bridge re-opens to cars and SUVs

NEWTOWN’S heritage-listed Queens Park bridge has reopened to cars and SUVs after it received the thumbs-up from structural engineering experts on Wednesday last week.

The one-lane bridge – which sits above the Barwon River and connects Newtown to Highton via Queens Park Road – was temporarily closed to vehicles after it was hit by a truck on March 7.

VicRoads has advised traffic controllers will be onsite 24/7 on both approaches to the bridge to control traffic flow and to ensure only appropriate passenger vehicles are able to cross.

Regional Roads Victoria chief regional roads officer Paul Northey said he was pleased the bridge was in operation again.

“I’m really pleased that we are able to reopen the Queens Park bridge to cars and SUVs and appreciate the community’s patience while we plan for future repairs.

“Safety is always our number one priority – please follow the direction of our traffic controllers onsite to ensure everyone can get to where they are going as quickly and as safely as possible.”

The bridge has a height clearance of 2.2 metres (previously 4.2 metres) and a weight restriction of five tonnes.

Cars, SUVs (up to the size of a Toyota Landcruiser) and small vans will be able to safely cross the bridge. It is also open to pedestrians and cyclists.

South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman said reopening the bridge to light vehicles would help ease traffic congestion experienced in Highton and Newtown as a result of the bridge’s closure.

“I know that reopening the Queens Park bridge to cars will be welcome news to the community, especially those in Highton and Newtown who rely on this bridge every day.

“We’re working as hard as we can to ensure the bridge is fully repaired as soon as possible.”

Vehicles unable to access the bridge are suggested to detour via the Hamilton Highway, Geelong Ring Road, Barrabool Road and Shannon Avenue.

Regional Roads Victoria is currently planning for future repair work and will keep the community informed of any changes.