Work is underway on the
Mandurah Estuary Bridge Duplication, with the sod turned today on this
important project to slash congestion in Mandurah and Dawesville.
The project will
involve a second, two-lane bridge being built on the south side of the existing
structure. This will provide additional traffic lanes for the original bridge,
which is the main traffic access to southern Mandurah.
A new four-metre-wide
shared path will also be built to help the local community better access
recreational activities, including fishing.
More than 33,000
vehicles currently use the existing Mandurah Estuary Bridge every day, with
congestion an ongoing issue, particularly during the busy holiday seasons.
Originally constructed
in the 1980s, the Mandurah Estuary Bridge was designed with future duplication
in mind.
The bridge will be
built utilising the incremental launch method.
A total of 15 concrete
bridge segments will be constructed on site and incrementally launched across
the estuary from the south-eastern embankment.
This is expected to be
completed by late-2025.
The $136 million
project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments,
with each contributing $68 million.
Quotes attributable to WA Premier Roger Cook:
"This
project has been long awaited by the local community and I am very pleased that
work is now underway on this key election commitment.
"Duplicating
the bridge will significantly reduce congestion that is currently experienced
on approach to the bridge and cut travel times for the thousands of commuters
who use the bridge each day."
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport,
Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"I'm proud
the Australian and Western Australian Governments are able to work together to
deliver this welcome transport improvement for Mandurah.
"This
bridge is not just an essential piece of infrastructure, but a vital link
between families, businesses and communities which will soon experience better
and more reliable transport connection between northern and southern Mandurah."
Quotes attributable to Western Australian Transport
Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The duplication of the
bridge will reduce congestion, improve safety and bring about time savings for
people who need to commute in and out of Mandurah.
"This
bridge experiences high traffic volumes with around 33,000 vehicles per day due
to the population growth in the Mandurah and Peel regions, so the duplication
will address these issues."
Quotes attributable to Senator for Western Australia
Louise Pratt:
"Duplicating this critical bridge will provide Mandurah road
users smoother, safer, faster and better access between the north and the south
of the city.
"The Australian Government will continue to invest in
infrastructure like duplicating the Mandurah Estuary Bridge to support
liveable, safe and healthy communities across Western Australia."
Quotes attributable to State Member for Mandurah David
Templeman:
"It's
fantastic to have broken ground on this project today, one that is critical for
people in the Mandurah community.
"Duplicating
the bridge will ensure we minimise that congestion and make the journey safer
and quicker for thousands of Mandurah commuters every day."
Quotes attributable to State Member for Dawesville Lisa
Munday:
"I made a
commitment to deliver this bridge duplication for the people of the Dawesville
electorate, and that is what we are doing.
"Duplicating
this bridge will make the daily commute smoother and safer for residents south
of Mandurah and surrounding communities, and remove a frustrating pinch point
on our road network."
Quotes attributable to State Member for Murray
Wellington Robyn Clarke:
"This
milestone in works starting in another significant step forward for this
project, and will improve commutes for so many in the South West corridor.
"Once
complete, the duplication will reduce congestion, improve safety, and enhance
the overall travel experience for South West residents."
