Community
6 November, 2024
Princetown bridge opens
WORKS to replace the single lane 80-year-old bridge over the Gellibrand River at Old Coach Road, Princetown are now complete.
“Traffic has been successfully transferred to a new bridge, which now provides two lane access across the Gellibrand River for bi-directional traffic and, for the first time, a separate, safer shared use path for walkers and cyclists,” Montarosa Pty Ltd director Gavin Ronan said.
“Access to the existing boat ramp and the car park at the south west side of the new bridge has now re-opened.
“These works are a major milestone towards the completion of Princetown Enabling Public Works required by the planning permit for Princetown Eco Stay.
“Princetown Eco Stay is a permit-approved eco-lodge and eco-activity centre in Princetown, six kilometres by road east of the 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road.”
The project comprises an 18-room lodge, 20 cabins, restaurant, boat shed and nature-based activities such as walking, cycling and kayaking.
“The project is inspired by the Shipwreck Coast Masterplan, which aims to balance the desire to improve economic outcomes with the need to protect and enhance the natural environment,” Mr Ronan said.
“Works already completed or well advanced include significant upgrades to the intersection of the Great Ocean Road and Old Coach Road.
“These works provide much-improved access and safety to all vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist traffic using Old Coach Road.”
Roadworks are scheduled to continue in the coming months to complete the upgrade of Old Coach Road.
Works hours will be in accordance with the Construction Management Plan, generally from 7am-6pm Monday to Friday, weather permitting and at other times as approved by council.
“The community will be alerted to changed conditions in accordance with the Parking and Traffic Management Plan,” Mr Ronan said.
“Princetown Enabling Public Works includes upgrades to Old Coach Road, construction of a replacement bridge and new trails, providing improved public access to the Princetown Recreation Reserve and enabling infrastructure for the proposed integrated eco-tourism facility, Princetown Eco Stay.
“These infrastructure works are part of the Geelong City Deal, a collaborative partnership to transform Geelong and the Great Ocean Road by the Australian and Victorian Governments and local council through the Private Sector Business Enablement Fund.
“For regular updates or for more information about the proposed Princetown Eco Stay visit www.princetownecostay.com.”
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