Work begins on Port Fairy's Gipps Street bridge.

Moyne Shire workers started replacing large timber bearers and decking on the historic bridge on Monday.

It is the first time in living memory the 114-year-old bridge has been fully closed to traffic.

Pedestrians can access the bridge during the works.

The bridge will be closed for up to two weeks, but could be shut longer if further work needs to be completed.

A council spokesman said diversions were in place via the Princes Highway, making it a driving distance of about 14 kilometres from the eastern side of the bridge to the western side.

He said signs were erected on both sides of the bridge and on the village green to inform people about the works.

The visitor information centre also has maps to explain the diversion. 

East Beach resident and accommodation operator Carole Reid said existing road signs should also include the shire’s web address so visitors could access maps and closure information via their smartphones.

“I am positive about the works but have we done enough to communicate to our visitors?,” Ms Reid said.

“Are they clear for our visitors?”

She called for more information to be available before visitors arrived in the town.

Ms Reid said many tourists did not speak English and relied on GPS units which did not have updated closure information.

“The works have got to be done but it’s important there is relevant communication, especially to travellers so they understand the bridge is closed before they get there,” she said.

Moyne Shire councillor and Port Fairy police Sergeant Mick Wolfe said the diversions were clearly identified with signs.

He said there had been no road incidents.

“There’s been no noticeable build up of traffic,” Sergeant Wolfe said.

“It’s an inconvenience for two weeks but at the end of it we’re going to end up with a safer and better structure. 

 “It had to be done and 99 per cent of people are accepting of it.

“In two weeks we’ll be better off for it.”