A new technique was used to construct a $6.3 million bridge over the Murray River on Coolup East Road to the south of Pinjarra, WA, which increases the road’s capacity and improves safety.
Main Roads South West region managed the works while BMD Constructions delivered the project in less than 12 months.
Western Australian Transport Minister, Bill Marmion, officially opened the new bridge, which was funded by the State Government.
Mr Marmion said, “In a first for Western Australia, the new steel and concrete bridge was built next to the river and launched in two stages using an incremental launch technique.”
Mr Marmion said the bridge would provide increased load capacity for Coolup East Road between the South Western Highway and Pinjarra-Williams Road for traffic bypassing Pinjarra.
On average, 519 vehicles use Coolup East Road per day, and about 16 per cent are heavy vehicles.
“Coolup East Road is a key transport thoroughfare – this bridge provides an important link for residents with properties on the eastern side of the river and guarantees future access for emergency service vehicles,” Mr Marmion said.
“The project employed up to 30 people on-site, with at least 11 local subcontractors and suppliers benefiting from the works.”
The new bridge replaces the existing bridge, a timber and concrete structure built during the 1960s, which had a 10 tonne load limit and was at risk of closure due to ongoing deterioration.
Local subcontractors and suppliers of goods and services included Texcom Earthmoving, ADC Construction Pty Ltd, Pinjarra Crane Hire and Brian Fisher Fabrications.
