A new bridge planned for the Dunham River on the Great Northern Highway

9/05/06

A contract has been awarded to John Holland Pty Ltd to construct a new two-lane bridge over the Dunham River and seven kilometres of realignment on the Great Northern Highway, approximately 80km south of Kununurra.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today announced that the Main Roads WA construction contract was worth $21.2million, and the bridge project will be completed by December 2006.

"The works are funded by the Commonwealth as Great Northern Highway is part of the AusLink National Network and involve replacing the existing single lane bridge and low-level crossing, which is often subject to lengthy closure due to flooding," Ms MacTiernan said.

"The new bridge and realignment works will increase road safety, provide an improved level of service for road users crossing the Dunham River, and is part of Main Roads' long-standing bridge upgrade strategy to improve access to the Kimberley region during the wet.

"Great Northern Highway is an important route linking towns and communities in the north of the State with the metropolitan area and carries significant volumes of traffic servicing a number of important industries, including agriculture, tourism, and mining.

"Road closures have an economic impact for Kimberley communities when road freight is held up, and there is a general inconvenience for local people."

The Minister said the priority for the contractor was to complete the bridge and road works ahead of the next wet season.

A 28-week contract period has been assigned for the contract.

The works are scheduled to commence in mid-May 2006 and will be completed by the end of this year.

The project will be managed by Main Roads Western Australia Kimberley Region and, when finished, will improve safety and transport efficiency in the north of the State.
Minister's office: 9213 6400