The $136 million Mandurah Estuary Bridge duplication is another step closer to completion with the launch of the first bridge segment.
Bridge segments are constructed at the casting bed on site and launched across the estuary from the south-east side of the existing bridge.
A total of 15 segments will make up the length of the 380-metre-long structure, with the bridge extending a further 25 metres across the water every two to three weeks.
The second bridge is set to ease congestion on the existing bridge, which is crossed by an average 33,000 vehicles every day.
With rapid population growth in the area and congestion an ongoing issue, particularly during the busy holiday seasons, the project is delivering a second, two-lane bridge on the south side of the existing structure to provide additional traffic lanes.
On completion, both bridges will have the capacity to move to a three-lane configuration to address future population growth and increases in traffic demands.
The new bridge will also have a four-metre-wide shared path underneath, in line with the existing bridge, as well as a new accessible fishing platform on the eastern foreshore.
Additional amenity walls have recently been included to provide privacy and noise buffering for residents on either side of the Mandurah Estuary Bridge, as well as new feature lighting on both bridges.
“Our local members in this area have advocated strongly for this project, because they know how disruptive this stretch of road can be for locals," Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
“The existing bridge is significantly constrained which is why we committed to this duplication and are now delivering for the community.
“Duplicating the bridge will ease congestion on approach to the bridge and cut the travel times for thousands of Mandurah and Dawesville commuters every single day."
The project is being jointly funded by the State and Federal Government, with completion expected by late 2025.
Member for Murray Wellington Robyn Clarke, Premier Roger Cook, Transport Minister Rita Saffioti, Member for Dawesville Lisa Munday and Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams. PIC: Facebook
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