Construction on the $12 million bridges replacement project in Williams, Western Australia is now underway. The project will include replacing two old bridges along the Albany Highway.
The two bridges that are going to be replaced are the ones located at the northern end of the highway over the Coalling Creek and at the southern end over the Williams River.
“The replacements will improve driving conditions for local residents and freight operators, delivering safer and more productive bridges that re fit-for-purpose.
“With the replacement of these old bridges, we will also see a reduction in maintenance costs, saving taxpayers’ dollars,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.
This multi-million dollar project will also include upgrading the Albany Highway as well as the Richardson Road intersection.
“...the project now includes social amenity improvements, such as additional street lighting and pedestrian connectivity, as well as the two bridges that will improve safety and reliability for all road users in Albany Highway,” Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said.
The new bridges have been designed to have higher load limits - up to 166 tonnes. This will benefit the heavy vehicle industry that passes through one of Western Australia’s major freight routes.
During the construction of the new bridges, speed restrictions as well as temporary bridges will be put in place.
The new bridges over Coalling Creek and Williams River are expected to be completed by the end of 2019, weather permitting.
This project is being funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, with the Australian Government investing $5 million under the Bridges Renewal Program Round 3.
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Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Main Roads WA; Shire of Williams (1, 2)