A 15-TONNE load limit on the Port Fairy Gipps Street Bridge was introduced from last Friday, June 28, at 5pm.

This load limit reduction, in combination with the 20km/h speed limit over the bridge, will help extend the service life of the infrastructure until it can be replaced.

Moyne Shire Council is planning the replacement of the bridge in 2025.

The load limit does not impact garbage collection or public transport, however, any heavy vehicle with an operational mass exceeding 15 tonnes needing to access the East Beach area from west of the bridge will now need to enter from the Princes Highway via Rosebrook, and then via Woodbine Road and Skenes Road.

Heavy vehicles from the east will need to enter Port Fairy from the Princes Highway via Regent Street or Bank Street.

The faster a vehicle crosses the bridge, the greater the impact it has on the structure.

By lowering the speed and load limits, the impacts are reduced.

The changes don’t mean the bridge is unsafe - it will be checked regularly and remained safe for use; the changes have been implemented to extend its lifespan.

The community will be kept informed about the bridge replacement.

Moyne Shire Council’s Facebook page will provide updates as the plan progresses.