Bridges to be refurbished in the South-West

Eleven bridges across the South-West of Western Australia are set to be refurbished.

Transport Minister Simon O'Brien today announced that Structural Systems (Western) Pty Ltd had been awarded the $1million contract to undertake maintenance and repair works on the bridges.

Mr O'Brien said the works were being funded from the 2008-09 State Program for Bridge Refurbishment Works for the South-West Region and involved both major and minor repairs.

"The work includes substructure and superstructure works, concrete overlay, guard railing upgrades and embankment widening as well as preventative, routine and specific maintenance," he said.

The 11 bridges to be upgraded are:

• Bridge Number 235 over Tren Creek - Bussell Highway, Shire of Capel
• Bridge Number 250A over Willyabrup Brook - Caves Road, Shire of Busselton
• Bridge Number 251A over Cowaramup Brook - Caves Road, Shire of Augusta-Margaret River
• Bridge Number 252 over Ellen Brook - Caves Road, Shire of Augusta-Margaret River
• Bridge Number 254 over Boodjidup Brook - Cave Road, Shire of Augusta-Margaret River
• Bridge Number 512 over Donnelly River - Vasse Highway, Shire of Nannup
• Bridge Number 529A over Buayanup Drain - Bussell Highway, Shire of Busselton
• Bridge Number 873 Wrights Bridge over Blackwood River - Balingup-Nannup Road, Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup
• Bridge Number 3227 over Minor Creek - Miamup Road, Shire of Augusta-Margaret River
• Bridge Number 3880A over Smith's Brook - Middlesex Road, Shire of Manjimup
• Bridge Number 3924A over Warren River - Deeside Coast Road, Shire of Manjimup.

"The works will provide improved safety for motorists and increase the lifespan of the bridges," the Minister said.

The contract is expected to be completed by April 2009.

The project will be managed by the Main Roads Western Australia South West Region.

Minister's office - 9213 6400