The Mandurah Estuary Bridge duplication will run adjacent to and south of the existing structure. Photo: Mainroads WA.
Work has officially begun on the Mandurah Estuary Bridge duplication project, which is designed to alleviate congestion in Mandurah and Dawesville, south of Perth.
The $136 million project will provide a second two-lane bridge on the southern side of and immediately adjacent to the current structure, in effect doubling vehicle capacity over the estuary entrance. It will include a four-metre-wide shared path with connections to existing paths on both sides, and a fishing platform.
The start of work follows the December 2023 announcement of the construction contract being awarded to Georgiou Group, which was also part of a group of companies that recently completed the new Fitzroy River Bridge ahead of schedule.
The initial works comprise clearing adjacent to Waterside and Waterlily drives to build preloaded embankments as part of ground improvement works, and to construct new infrastructure including drainage and noise walls.
Core-penetration testing is also underway in the estuary so engineers can better understand the soil properties below the estuary floor for the detailed design of the piles to support the new bridge.
A joint WA State and Federal Government media statement says more than 33,000 vehicles use the current bridge every day, and that congestion can build up during peak times and holiday periods.
The new bridge is being jointly funded by the State and Federal governments to the tune of $68 million each. It will be built using an incremental launch method of 15 segments that will be constructed on site and ”launched” across the estuary from the south-eastern bank.
The joint statement says the project is expected to be completed by late 2025.
WA Premier Roger Cook said the project had been long-awaited by the community.
“I am very pleased that work is now underway on this key election commitment,” Mr Cook said.
“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.”
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King added: “I’m proud the Australian and West 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.”
State Member for Mandurah David Templeman said: “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.”
