Bridges to open on Mitchell Freeway extension

18/10/07
The $171.5million Mitchell Freeway Extension Project through Perth's northern suburbs will achieve a major milestone with the opening of two important bridges this weekend.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said today that the Moore Drive Traffic Bridge and Portmarnock footbridge would be opened to the public on Sunday, October 21.
"These are the first pieces of the jigsaw in a project of critical importance for enhanced traffic flow in the northern suburbs," Ms MacTiernan said.
"Their opening is important for the local community's access between the residential areas on the western side of the freeway and the commercial hub of Joondalup."
Only two lanes of the Moore Drive Traffic Bridge will be in use until the City of Joondalup completes a planned upgrade of Moore Drive to four lanes.
In early 2006, the City of Joondalup and the Construction Reference Group, representing the local community, supported a 12-month closure of Moore Drive at points either side of the freeway alignment so the bridge could be built without having to construct a deviation road.
The money saved has been used to build a four-lane bridge rather than two-lane bridge to accommodate the planned upgrade of the road.
Joondalup MLA Tony O'Gorman said the Portmarnock footbridge opposite Connolly Primary School held particular significance for the local community.
"It was through community consultation that plans for an underpass at this location were discarded and replaced with the footbridge because of potential anti-social behaviour," Mr O'Gorman said.
"Main Roads and the contractor also supported changes suggested by the construction reference group to the design of the western end of the footbridge and the height of the balustrades on the structure, both for safety reasons."
Macmahon contractors were awarded the contract for design and construction of the four kilometre extension of the Mitchell Freeway from Hodges Drive to Burns Beach Road in September last year, with construction starting in late November.
The Minister said the halfway point in the construction program had recently passed and the freeway extension was on schedule for completion mid next year.
"Substantial progress has been made on the railway tunnel north of Moore Drive and work is under way on Hodges Drive Bridge, Shenton Avenue Bridge and the pavement for the freeway lanes," Ms MacTiernan said.
"Work will start on the noise walls soon.
"The Carpenter Government is working to ensure our strong economy is delivering better services for all Western Australians."
Minister's office - 9213 6400