$7million for Buckingham Bridge replacement

• Work to begin soon on permanent river crossing in Kelmscott/Roleystone
• No disruption to Brookton Highway traffic during construction

• New bridge to be completed mid-2013

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said today that work would begin soon on a $7.1million permanent replacement traffic bridge over the Canning River in Kelmscott/Roleystone.

The original timber Buckingham Bridge, built in 1935, was destroyed in the February 2011 bushfires that ravaged the hill suburbs of Kelmscott and Roleystone.

A culvert crossing was installed by Main Roads WA in March 2011 as a temporary measure while it designed a replacement and gained relevant approvals.

"It was always the intention to replace the bridge with a permanent and modern concrete and steel structure," Mr Buswell said.

"Funding has been made available through the Natural Disaster State Contingency fund and the Western Australia Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

"There will be no disruption to traffic along Brookton Highway during the life of the project or in the coming fire season as the replacement bridge will be built alongside the temporary culvert crossing, which will be dismantled after project completion.

"The new bridge will be about three metres higher than the original bridge, and combined with new approach roads, will offer drivers improved sight distance."

Construction is due to begin in late November and completed by mid-2013.

      Fact File

• New traffic bridge to be built on southern side of existing crossing

• Eliminating need to close crossing and divert traffic

• Project to deliver single span 25m precast deck/reinforced concrete wall abutments

• Project also involves new Brookton Highway approaches to the bridge from the east and west to improve driver sight distance

Minister's office - 6552 6400