Great Ocean Road – bridge strengthening Skenes Creek
9th September 2025
Works to strengthen the Skenes Creek bridge on the Great Ocean Road, east of Apollo Bay, will start from Monday, 15 September, 2025.
The bridge will be a safer, reliable crossing that improves connectivity on the Great Ocean Road and boosts the capacity for heavy vehicles that support local industries.
Works are expected to be completed in mid-2026, weather permitting.
About the works
The works will include
- Strengthening of the existing bridge over Skenes Creek
- Renewal of bridge barriers
- Construction of a new footbridge over Skenes Creek, on the ocean side of the existing bridge
- Drainage and pavement upgrades on either side of the existing bridge
- Upgrades to the existing carpark and bus stops.
These works will be completed in stages and will start on the inland side of the bridge.
Impacts of the works
There will be disruptions on the Great Ocean Road and nearby local roads, however traffic flow will be maintained at all times.
Crews will be on site from Monday to Friday, between 7am and 5.30pm, with the possibility of weekend and night works.
A 40km/h speed limit will be required to keep drivers and workers safe. At the bridge, one-lane, two-way traffic management will be in place and traffic will travel on a single lane through the work site. Traffic controllers will be on-site during work hours to assist with shuttle flow. Temporary traffic lights will manage traffic at other times.
Bus stop relocation
The Skenes Creek Valley Road/Great Ocean Road bus stops will be relocated during the project. From Tuesday, 16 September, 2025, temporary bus stops will be located 500m east, towards Lorne, on the Great Ocean Road (both directions). Services impacted include school buses, V/Line Melbourne to Warrnambool and PTV bus route Colac to Marengo (via Apollo Bay). For disruptions information, please visit the Transport Victoria website here Disruptions - Transport Victoria.
Beach carpark closure
As part of construction activities, and for the safety of crews and the public, the Skenes Creek beach car park will be closed for most of this project. Limited parking may be available at times. Pedestrian access to the beach will be maintained. Please follow all directional signs and traffic management.
Closures
Temporary closures will be required on Skenes Creek Valley Road (at Great Ocean Road) and Old Coach Road (at Skenes Creek Road intersection). Short detours will be in place, when required.
During the summer holiday period, construction will pause on the Skenes Creek Bridge project. The dates of this project pause will be finalised in consultation with emergency services.
Access
While access to residential properties and businesses will be retained, there will be periods of disruption to local roads and traffic flow. The contractor will contact impacted residents and businesses directly should access be disrupted.
Pedestrian access across the creek and to the beach will remain available. Temporary pedestrian detours may be required at times. Signage and traffic controllers will be in place as required to guide pedestrians across the river and to the beach.
Find out more
Please visit Skenes Creek bridge improvements Great Ocean Road - Transport Victoria or email us at