The San Remo Bridge is getting a $50-million glow-up – here's what we know

Planning on paying a visit to Victoria’s most famous colony of penguins? Your journey there is set to get a revamp, with the gateway to Phillip Island – the San Remo Bridge – undergoing a $50-million restoration project that will be completed over the next two years. Also known as the Phillip Island Bridge, the bridge connects San Remo on the mainland with Newhaven on Phillip Island, carrying around 3.5 million tourists to the island each year. Here’s the lowdown.

The Victorian Government is investing $50 million to rehabilitate the bridge, reportedly aiming to extend its service life and improve its long-term durability for both vehicles and pedestrians. If you’ve got a trip to Phillip Island in the works, there’s good news: the bridge will remain open throughout construction, with lane or pedestrian path closures set to be planned in a way that minimises disruption.

According to the government, most of the restoration will take place underneath the bridge, meaning there should be minimal impact on the road above. Crews will generally work from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 1pm on Saturdays, although some work will take place at night, on Sundays and on public holidays. For those arriving by boat, access beneath the bridge will remain available at all times through one of its three middle spans. Public transport and bus stops will also be unaffected.

As you’d imagine, the project has to be completed with plenty of care, given the bridge’s marine environment. The team behind the project say highly technical works will be carried out with measures in place to protect local marine life and the surrounding environment.

So, while the bridge might be getting a facelift, your next Phillip Island getaway shouldn't be too complicated. As one of Victoria’s favourite holiday spots, it will stay very much open for business – with the project expected to be completed by mid-2028. You can learn more over here.

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