Expressions of Interest are open for the design and construction of the $100 million Mandurah Estuary Bridge Duplication project, which will see a second traffic bridge built alongside the existing one.
The project will provide additional traffic lanes and support for the current structure, which is used as the primary connection to the southern part of Mandurah and the Peel region.
Western Australian Premier, Mark McGowan, said the Mandurah Estuary Bridge duplication is an important project for the people of Peel, easing significant congestion and creating hundreds of local jobs.
“The project will enhance connections between Peel and the metropolitan area, improving safety and convenience for thousands of Western Australians,” Mr McGowan said.
“I’m pleased to see this milestone achieved in the delivery of this important election commitment.”
More than 33,000 vehicles use the Mandurah Estuary Bridge every day.
Western Australian Minister for Transport, Planning and Ports, Rita Saffioti, said the duplication of the Mandurah Estuary Bridge will significantly improve congestion across the bridge, which can be frustrating for local residents and commuters.
“I’m pleased to see that more than 500 local jobs will be created and supported during the project, helping boost the local economy,” Ms Saffioti said.
“This was a key commitment at the election and I’m proud we are getting on with the job and delivering for the Peel region.”
Access for riders and walkers will also be improved with construction of a new shared path to improve connectivity on the southern underside of the new bridge deck, and a universally accessible recreational fishing platform to make fishing more accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
Western Australian Member for Dawesville, Lisa Munday, said this project is going to be critical for busting congestion along this important arterial route and help facilitate better freight movement in the area.
“By duplicating the bridge, we will improve traffic flow between Mandurah and Dawesville, and improve safety for all road users,” Ms Munday said.
Jointly funded by the Federal and Western Australian Governments on a 50:50 basis, the $110 million Mandurah Estuary Bridge Duplication Project will reduce congestion and improve road user safety.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said this will be welcome news for motorists travelling in and out of the southern part of Mandurah and the Peel region.
“As well as reducing congestion, there will be improvements in safety, efficiency and reliability across this crucial regional transport link,” Ms King said.
“Resilient and reliable transport is the backbone of the nation, especially in the Peel region, which relies heavily on local infrastructure such as this bridge as the key access point for local commuters, freight, and visitors alike.
“The Federal Government is getting on with delivering infrastructure projects just like this to improve access and safety for commuters right across Australia.”
Geotechnical site investigations, both on water and land, are underway with Main Roads also working to complete environmental and heritage assessments, project scoping and stakeholder consultation.
Western Australian Member for Murray-Wellington, Robyn Clarke, said this important project will deliver benefits for the whole Peel region, making travel easier and faster while creating local jobs.
“Thousands of people from the Peel region use the existing bridge every day, and the duplication will ensure a safer, easier journey for all,” Ms Clarke said.