Beams lifted for new Reid Highway-Mirrabooka Avenue interchange

Bridge beams for the new Reid Highway overpass at Mirrabooka Avenue were erected this weekend, heralding a major milestone in the $30million project.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said since Friday night, 16 pre-fabricated concrete girders, each weighing 80 tonnes, had been lifted into place using a 350-tonne and 280-tonne crane.

"These girders will form the structure of the twin bridges being built as part of the new interchange, will include twin bridges to carry four lanes of traffic over Mirrabooka Avenue, and eliminate a notorious black spot," Mr Buswell said.

"The intersection carries about 60,000 vehicles per day - expected to increase to 85,000 a day within the next five years

"This is a long-awaited project that will greatly enhance safety for all road users and improve traffic efficiency on roads in this area."

The overpass is being built by Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd and is scheduled to open to traffic in December 2011.

"Abigroup has just completed the $40million Reid Highway-Alexander Drive interchange, which has already improved safety and significantly reduced delays since it opened in April," the Minister said.

"Moving the same contractor straight on to the Mirrabooka Avenue project and using the same design has saved the State about $8million in reduced workforce mobilisation, contract and project management costs."

Bridge piers and abutments have already been built and bridge bearings are being prepared. The majority of the road pavement has been constructed on Reid Highway and drainage works are almost finished.

Over the next few months Abigroup will complete the road pavement, bridge deck and guard rails and undertake final resurfacing on all roads.  Ramps and traffic signals will be modified, noise walls built and lighting installed.

"The next major milestone in the construction project will be the opening of the new Reid Highway bridges to traffic, enabling Abigroup to complete the ramps," Mr Buswell said.