• Preliminary investigations are now complete.
• The detailed design is completed, and the contractor is expected to lodge the application for Melbourne Water’s consent.
• The laminated timber (Glulam) is expected to arrive in Melbourne in August, subjected to no impacts from the ongoing global crisis
• Site works are anticipated to commence in late July/early August with demolition works, followed by bridge upgrade works.

• Preliminary investigations and work are nearing completion.
• The Glulam timber has now been ordered from North America.
• The detailed design is nearing completion and will be submitted to Melbourne Water for consideration and endorsement.
• On site works are anticipated to commence in late May/early June 2026 with demolition initially, followed by construction activities.

The contractor is planning to undertake investigation works on the existing bridge on below dates:

• 13 March – Survey works to confirm the bridge dimensions
• Week starting 23 March – Geotechnical investigation to confirm the existing ground conditions

Once the investigation works are complete, material order will be confirmed with the suppliers.

Construction work is estimated to start in June 2026.

Bass Coast Shire Council has appointed Timber Restoration Systems Pty Ltd to deliver the construction phase of the bridge at the Additional Council Meeting on 4 March 2026. Council is working closely with the Australian Government's Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP) and the contractor to deliver the upgraded bridge, with completion anticipated by the end of 2026. Council will work with the contractor to confirm construction timeframes.

The Contract Tender Award Report for Kernot Bridge will be considered at a Council Meeting on Wednesday 4 March 2026. The meeting will be open to the public via Livestream only, from 10.15am. The agenda will be made available on Council’s website Friday 27 February 2026.

Please note that access to properties will not be directly impacted. We apologise for the inconvenience to motorists and to the community affected by this detour, however Public Safety is our highest priority.