New traffic bridge over railway line in Canning Vale eases congestion

23/9/98

One of Perth's worst traffic bottlenecks has been cleared following a joint bridge and roadworks project involving Main Roads Western Australia and the City of Canning.

Transport Minister Murray Criddle said the new traffic bridge over the Forrestfield-to-Kwinana railway line on Ranford Road, Canning Vale, had significantly reduced congestion and improved travel times and safety.

Mr Criddle said the new bridge incorporated a dual-use path, improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and had been designed so that the rail reserve could be developed in the future.

He said the new bridge was built higher and wider than the old bridge to accommodate the larger rail containers that wouldl be using the freight line in the future, and to enable new lines to be laid under the bridge for the proposed Kenwick-to-Rockingham passenger rail service.

Work would be carried out in the future to raise and widen the old bridge.

"This project is an important one for the community and I would like to pay a special tribute to Monica Holmes, the Member for Southern River, for her efforts in helping bring the project to fruition," the Minister said.

"She has worked tirelessly to convince the Government of the need to build this structure as a matter of priority. It is something which will be of enormous benefit not only to people living in the area but to the community as a whole.

"When the original bridge was opened in 1985, Ranford Road was a rural road servicing motorists travelling between the city and the outer suburbs and rural properties.

"Following urban and commercial development in the area the number of vehicles using the bridge increased to levels where congestion and delays were daily occurrences.

"In more recent times, more than 20,000 vehicles a day used the old bridge and rear-end crashes were a constant problem.

"The new bridge and associated roadworks have overcome the bottleneck and the road is much safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists."

The steel and concrete bridge was built by contractors Barclay Mowlem Construction at a cost of $1.5 million.

Mr Criddle said the contractors were able to build the project under budget and ahead of the completion deadline, and that it was a tribute to the co-operation between Main Roads and the City of Canning.

Mr Criddle, the Mayor of Canning, Dr Mick Lekias, and Monica Holmes inspected the completed project today and marked the occasion with a plaque unveiling at the City of Canning.

Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333.