Bridge over Collie River now open to road users

• Connection between Australind, Millbridge and Eaton communities now completed
• Construction engaged many local businesses and generated 100 jobs
• Bridge to reduce the pressure on Forrest Highway and Old Coast Road 

The new $16.7 million bridge linking Treendale with Eaton is now open, reducing travel time and increasing safety for the fast-growing communities.

The bridge is located about three kilometres north-east of the Eaton Fair Shopping Centre and approximately 1.5 kilometres south of the Treendale Shopping Centre.

Spanning 224 metres long, the new bridge will halve the journey time between the two communities from 20 minutes to about 10 minutes.

Along with providing an important social connection, the bridge will provide essential access for emergency services vehicles and will connect the Treendale and Kingston subdivisions in Australind with Millbridge Private Estate and the Parkridge Estate in Eaton.

The project was jointly funded, with the State Government contributing $9.5 million and the shires of Dardanup and Harvey committing $7.2 million collected from developer contributions.

An innovative and successful bridge launch method has delivered cost and time savings to this project. Features of the 14.4 metre-wide bridge include a steel/concrete composite superstructure that accommodates two traffic lanes, a pedestrian walkway on the western side and bridge lighting. 

Possum ropes will also be installed on both sides of the Collie River channel to facilitate possum movements along the watercourse.

Work on the structure started in early 2017 and generated up to 100 jobs during its peak construction period, including various local sub-contractors and businesses. The steel components of the beams for the bridge were also fabricated in Western Australia.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"It has been just over a year since construction on this bridge commenced, and it is great to see community excitement and anticipation build for this greatly needed project.

"Not only will road users experience the benefits of shorter travel times, the completion of this structure will provide opportunities for improved bus services and a direct pedestrian and cycling link."

Comments attributed to Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:

"The travel distance between the Millbridge and Treendale communities will drop by approximately 10 kilometres, which will make an enormous difference to those travelling through the area.

"Millbridge and Treendale are two of the fastest growing areas in WA and connecting the two areas is critical to the local road network."

Minister's office - 6552 5500