A dramatic vehicle fire forced the sudden closure of the Barwon Heads Bridge on Thursday afternoon, causing significant disruption for motorists travelling between the Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong.
Emergency Response and Bridge Closure
Emergency services were called to the scene on Thursday, just after 4:30pm, following reports of a car well alight on the bridge. Firefighters from Fire Rescue Victoria arrived promptly to tackle the blaze. The incident led to the immediate closure of the bridge in both directions as crews worked to make the area safe.
The cause of the fire is not yet known and will be investigated. There were no immediate reports of injuries, which authorities noted as a fortunate outcome given the severity of the incident on a key transport link.
Major Traffic Disruption for Commuters
The closure caused substantial traffic delays during the busy afternoon commute. VicTraffic issued alerts advising drivers to avoid the area and seek alternative routes. Motorists were directed to use the nearby Geelong Ring Road or the Bellarine Highway as detours, which experienced increased congestion as a result.
The Barwon Heads Bridge is a critical connection over the Barwon River, linking Barwon Heads to Ocean Grove and the rest of the Bellarine Peninsula to Geelong. Its closure has a ripple effect on local traffic networks, particularly at peak times.
Road Reopens After Clean-Up
After the fire was extinguished and the damaged vehicle was removed, crews assessed the bridge for any safety concerns. The road was reopened to traffic later in the evening, restoring the vital link. Authorities thanked the public for their patience during the incident and subsequent clean-up operations.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential for unexpected events to cause major disruptions on our roads. Motorists are encouraged to stay updated on live traffic conditions via the VicTraffic website or app, especially when travelling through key choke points like the Barwon Heads Bridge.
