The duplication of the Mandurah Estuary Bridge, south of Perth in Western Australia, is now progressing towards construction following the appointment of Georgiou Group as the preferred proponent to design and build the project.
The contractor has considerable experience in bridge construction in the State, including the design and construction of the award-winning Mandurah Traffic Bridge that was completed in 2018. Georgiou Group is also part of the Alliance responsible for the delivery of the new Fitzroy River Bridge.
The Mandurah Estuary Bridge Duplication project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, each contributing $55 million.
“It’s great to see the Australian and State Governments working together to meet the infrastructure needs of the Peel region,” WA Senator Louise Pratt said.
“Duplicating the bridge will ensure we minimise [that] congestion and make the journey safer and quicker for thousands of commuters every day,” State Member for Mandurah David Templeman said.
“I hear all the time, while I am out doorknocking and meeting constituents, that the duplication is something that everyone is very excited about, and I am so happy to be delivering it with David Templeman and Robyn Clarke with the support of Minister Saffioti,” State Member for Dawesville Lisa Munday said.
The $110 million duplication project will deliver a second, two-lane bridge on the south side of the existing bridge.
A new four-metre-wide shared path will also be built to help improve connectivity and access to recreational activities for the local community.
In addition, a universally accessible recreational fishing platform will be provided to make fishing more accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
Congestion is currently a major issue on the existing Mandurah Estuary Bridge, with more than 33,000 vehicles using the bridge.
“When the Mandurah Estuary Bridge was originally constructed in the 1980s, it was not designed to cater for the high volumes traffic we have today.
“It is a key connection between Mandurah and the wider Peel region, with more than 33,000 vehicles using the bridge every day.
“Duplicating the bridge will significantly ease the congestion currently experienced on approach to the bridge and cut the travel times for the thousands of commuters every single day,” WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
Main Roads Western Australia has already completed environmental and heritage assessments as well as preliminary site investigations. Detailed design will now be carried out prior to the beginning of construction.
The new Mandurah Estuary Bridge is due to be completed by late 2025.
“As well as reducing congestion, the bridge duplication will improve safety, efficiency and reliability across this crucial regional transport link.
“The project will also lead to the creation of an additional 500 local jobs, boosting the local economy,” Acting Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Kristy McBain said.
Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories; Main Roads Western Australia; Coast Live