The contract for the second stage of the Echuca-Moama Bridge project has been awarded, with work to commence in the coming months as part of a $26.35 million package of works on Echuca’s Warren Street.
Winslow Constructors was awarded the contract.
The package of works includes the construction of four new flood relief bridges, dedicated residential service roads and turning lanes at intersections, including an extended right turning lane to provide safer access to the Echuca Cemetery.
Works will also include a shared user path and a roundabout connection to the new Murray River crossing to be built during stage three of the project.
The $280 million Echuca Moama Bridge Project is jointly funded by the Australian, Victorian and New South Wales Governments.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael McCormack, said the upgrades to Warren Street, which are scheduled to begin in mid to late 2018, were needed to cater for a projected increase in traffic once the four-stage project was completed.
“Warren Street will serve as the major link to the new river crossing, and it’s important we ensure the infrastructure is equipped to handle the extra traffic, as well as delivering a safer journey for all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians,” Mr McCormack said.
Following the completion of this project, the amount of traffic travelling along Warren Street to access the new river crossing is expected to increase by up to 51 per cent.
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan, said the works would allow for the installation of four new flood relief bridges along Warren Street, replacing the existing aging structures.
“The current narrow bridges are almost 80 years old and can’t cater for the higher number of trucks expected for the new Murray river crossing, so we’re taking this opportunity to replace them,” Mr Donnellan said.
New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the project would be a boost to the entire local economy.
“Whether it is businesses able to make cross-border deliveries more quickly, more reliable trip times for commuters, or the 400 direct and more than 1,000 indirect jobs to be supported, the flow-on benefits from the upgrade will be felt across the region,” Mrs Pavey said.
