Speed cameras have been removed from the Point Wilson Road overpass over the Princes freeway, as work gets underway on raising its height.The structure has been struck by trucks twice since 2010 and while it’s not in the same league as South Melbourne’s Montague Street bridge, there are concerns another impact could compromise its structural integrity.
The complex job will involve the placement of jacks, not unlike those used for cars, at each support pillar.
The entire overpass will then be slowly “jacked up” until it reaches a height of 5.54m – up 200mm from its current 5.34m.
The process will be carried out painstakingly slowly to ensure the bridge is not damaged.
Concrete support pedestals beneath the bridge will then be demolished and replaced, and left to ‘cure’ until they have reached their required strength.
The structure will then be lowered onto the new supports.
Approach and departure ramps will also be raised as part of the works.
Regional Roads Victoria said that while the Princes Freeway will mostly remain open, reduced speed limits will be in place for the safety of workers and road users.
The lifting process will be carried out over one weeknight, with intermittent road closures during the lifting and lowering procedures.
Point Wilson Road will be closed for the duration of the works, with Melbourne-bound drivers to be redirected to the Beach Road entry.
Drivers travelling towards Geelong will still be able to use the Point Wilson Road off-ramp.
Image: The Point Wilson Road overpass will be raised by 200mm (Google Maps)