Work is underway on the Mandurah Estuary Bridge Duplication, with the sod turned today on this important project to slash congestion in Mandurah and Dawesville.
The project will involve a second, two-lane bridge being built on the south side of the existing structure. This will provide additional traffic lanes for the original bridge, which is the main traffic access to southern Mandurah.
A new four-metre-wide shared path will also be built to help the local community better access recreational activities, including fishing.
More than 33,000 vehicles currently use the existing Mandurah Estuary Bridge every day, with congestion an ongoing issue, particularly during the busy holiday seasons.
Originally constructed in the 1980s, the Mandurah Estuary Bridge was designed with future duplication in mind.
The bridge will be built utilising the incremental launch method.
A total of 15 concrete bridge segments will be constructed on site and incrementally launched across the estuary from the south-eastern embankment.
This is expected to be completed by late-2025.
The $136 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, with each contributing $68 million.
As stated by WA Premier Roger Cook:
"This project has been long awaited by the local community and I am very pleased that work is now underway on this key election commitment.
"Duplicating the bridge will significantly reduce congestion that is currently experienced on approach to the bridge and cut travel times for the thousands of commuters who use the bridge each day."
As stated by Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"I'm proud the Australian and Western Australian Governments are able to work together to deliver this welcome transport improvement for Mandurah.
"This bridge is not just an essential piece of infrastructure, but a vital link between families, businesses and communities which will soon experience better and more reliable transport connection between northern and southern Mandurah."
As stated by Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The duplication of the bridge will reduce congestion, improve safety and bring about time savings for people who need to commute in and out of Mandurah.
"This bridge experiences high traffic volumes with around 33,000 vehicles per day due to the population growth in the Mandurah and Peel regions, so the duplication will address these issues."
As stated by Senator for Western Australia Louise Pratt:
"Duplicating this critical bridge will provide Mandurah road users smoother, safer, faster and better access between the north and the south of the city.
"The Australian Government will continue to invest in infrastructure like duplicating the Mandurah Estuary Bridge to support liveable, safe and healthy communities across Western Australia."
As stated by State Member for Mandurah David Templeman:
"It's fantastic to have broken ground on this project today, one that is critical for people in the Mandurah community.
"Duplicating the bridge will ensure we minimise that congestion and make the journey safer and quicker for thousands of Mandurah commuters every day."
As stated by State Member for Dawesville Lisa Munday:
"I made a commitment to deliver this bridge duplication for the people of the Dawesville electorate, and that is what we are doing.
"Duplicating this bridge will make the daily commute smoother and safer for residents south of Mandurah and surrounding communities, and remove a frustrating pinch point on our road network."
As stated by State Member for Murray Wellington Robyn Clarke:
"This milestone in works starting in another significant step forward for this project, and will improve commutes for so many in the South West corridor.
"Once complete, the duplication will reduce congestion, improve safety, and enhance the overall travel experience for South West residents."
