Workers get into the swing of it on Lorne bridge upgrades

THE Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) will start works to upgrade the Swing Bridge precinct in Lorne next week.

GORCC acting coastal reserves manager Evan Francis said the works were identified as part of the Erskine River Master Plan and aim to improve the overall landscape character and user experience of the area.

“The works will help strengthen the pedestrian link to the Swing Bridge and improve vehicle circulation in the area.

“Key upgrades include an additional rip rap wall around the river mouth to create a continuous edge and protect native vegetation from foot traffic, new picnic tables and timber seating, realigned angl parking, landscaping, and regrading and realignment of the pedestrian path.”

The existing car parking will be reconfigured to improve overall access and functionality of the area, separating vehicles from pedestrians along the busy section of the vehicle turn around near the Swing Bridge.

Staged removal of tea tree species will allow for the realignment of the road, car parking and pedestrian path, and the lower branches of the cypress pines located along the Erskine River edge will be trimmed to create openings and allow further light into the precinct.

To ensure the safety of the public and contractors, the Swing Bridge car park and Swing Bridge end of Cypress Avenue and Otway Street will be closed to traffic for two weeks from Monday, August 5 until August 19.

The Swing Bridge Café and all pedestrian access will remain open while the works are in progress.

Parking will still be available on Cypress Avenue during the construction period.

The works are funded by GORCC’s Capital Works Program and are due to be completed by September 2. For more information, head to gorcc.com.au.