A historic gateway into Melbourne's central city, Princes Bridge, erected in 1888, stands as a cherished icon spanning the Yarra River - Birrarung. The City of Melbourne is currently engaged in a meticulous restoration effort to preserve this significant crossing, ensuring its longevity for the benefit of residents, workers, and visitors in the years to come.

The restoration works include:

• replacing the weathered bluestone blocks in the pedestrian refuges

• cleaning and consolidating existing bluestone blocks

• resetting bluestone blocks that have shifted out of alignment over time

• conservation works including repairing indents and replacing mortar

• repairing and artisan repainting of the iron facades, including crests, lampposts and the balustrades

• waterproofing the remaining sections of footpath not previously completed

• rewiring the public lighting and removing unnecessary electrical services

The restoration initiative is being executed in phases, with the first section, situated at the south-eastern end of the bridge near Boathouse Drive, completed by late 2024. Subsequently, works on the second section, located near Hamer Hall at the southwestern end of the bridge, commenced in late 2024 and are anticipated to conclude by late 2025. The comprehensive restoration project is slated for a three-year timeline, culminating in its entirety by 2026.

Recent efforts have also involved river works beneath the southern arch of Princes Bridge, necessitating temporary closures and modifications to facilitate scaffold installations and maintenance activities. The installation of scaffolding on the western side of the bridge outside Hamer Hall has been completed, with access to the southern arch restored for rowing and hire vessels. Additionally, ongoing bluestone works, initiated in late 2023, are progressing in sections, with the second section expected to wrap up by July 2025, paving the way for the commencement of the third and final section.

As the restoration project advances, pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and tram users can expect temporary closures and width restrictions on the bridge during the succeeding phases of the works. Despite these disruptions, appropriate traffic management measures will be implemented to ensure safe access across the bridge throughout the restoration process.

Looking ahead, the forthcoming stages of the restoration project will involve setting up for section three near Flinders Street Station and Federation Square, with an expected completion date in 2026. While scaffolding will remain in place around the work site, access for pedestrians and cyclists under the bridge will be upheld, except during brief periods necessitated by crane operation activities. Advanced notifications and clear traffic management protocols will guide individuals around the work areas, safeguarding public safety and facilitating the project's seamless progression.

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