Barwon Water will be undertaking works to renew the John J. MacIntyre Bridge, including relining the sewer main and upgrading the handrail and safety panelling to protect the health of the Barwon River and improve safety for everyone who uses the bridge. These works will help extend the life of this important community asset. Please see below for a map of these works.

These works will be undertaken in two stages, for a more in-depth look at these stages, please see below.

Work is scheduled from 4 May 2026 to late September 2026, Monday to Friday between 7:00 am and 5:30 pm.

As part of this work, please note:

• MacIntyre Bridge will be closed to pedestrians during the works.
• Alternative routes will be in place via Shannon Avenue and Moorabool Street; detour signs will be in place.
• Water lanes will be managed by water traffic management for the duration of the works to ensure safe passage of water vehicles and recreational water users.
• During construction there may be increased noise and dust. We will aim to minimise impacts to nearby residents, commuters and river users.
• You may notice an increase in odour for the duration of works. This is not harmful to people or pets.
• There may be changed traffic conditions in the area, from time to time.
• There will be no interruption to your water supply as part of these works

The first stage of the works will run from early May until late July. These works will involve the relining of the existing sewer line that spans the bridge.

By installing a new internal lining, we are strengthening the existing pipe and extending its service life without the need for full replacement. This method reduces the likelihood of future faults, helps prevent sewer leaks, and protects the health of the river and surrounding environment. It also minimises disruption to the community, as the work can be completed efficiently with less invasive construction methods.

Overall, these work helps ensure a reliable sewer network while safeguarding an important local asset.

The second stage of works will run from August to September 2026. These works involve the renewal of the handrail and panelling along the bridge.

The second stage of works focuses on improving the safety, usability, and appearance of the Macintyre Bridge while respecting its role in the Geelong community. Over time, the bridge panels and railings have degraded due to wear and tear.

We are ensuring these works preserve the bridge’s identity. This includes retaining the rowing lane numbers, which are an important feature for the local rowing community, and ensuring the renewed design reflects the bridge’s heritage.

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete these essential works.

These two projects are being delivered by Barwon Asset Solutions, a company owned by Barwon Water to deliver high‑quality asset maintenance and project management services. Should you have any questions about this project or need to update your contact details, please telephone us on 1300 656 007 or email projects@barwonwater.vic.gov.au.