Construction of Chapman River bridge at Geraldton to start soon

17/1/96

Construction of a new bridge over the Chapman River at Geraldton will start early next month following the awarding of a $1.6 million contract to Barclay Mowlem Construction Limited.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said a new two-lane concrete bridge would be constructed over the river 200 metres upstream from the existing bridge, which was built last century and was now unable to cope with today's regional transport needs.

"The bridge forms part of the $4.5 million project to realign eight kilometres of the North West Coastal Highway between Green Street and the 440 Roadhouse, crossing the river near the western edge of Chapman River Regional Park," Mr Charlton said.

The Minister said the new bridge would provide a free flowing alternative for heavy vehicles and other traffic presently using the existing bridge. Local traffic movements and safety in the expanding residential areas to the north of the river would be improved once through traffic was diverted along the new road.

"The area in the vicinity of the new bridge has some historically significant sites and an archaeologist will be on site during construction to ensure compliance with strict guidelines set out in the contract," Mr Charlton said.

"Care will also be taken to minimise the impact of the works on the river environment and the park."

Construction of the bridge will begin in early February, employing up to 15 people and is expected to take six months to complete.

Mr Charlton said the project had been made possible under the State's $1 billion Additional Funding Program.

Main Roads would start building the associated roadworks in April and the major upgrading of the North West Coastal Highway through Geraldton was scheduled to be opened to traffic in November 1996.

Media contact: Ian Hasleby 321 7333