New Mandurah Traffic Bridge opened in time for holiday travellers

• Four traffic lanes set to open on the new Mandurah Traffic Bridge
• Vintage cars and local community competition winners first to cross the new lanes
• Bridge replacement addresses maintenance cost issues and structural limitations of the old bridge

Roadworks are now complete on the $51.8 million new Mandurah Traffic Bridge with four lanes of traffic opening later today. 

Local schoolchildren who recently wrote about the significance of the Mandurah Traffic Bridge were today among the first to cross on the new structure's extra lanes.

Christmas holiday-makers can now enjoy the increased traffic capacity and efficiency benefits of four lanes during the holiday season, meaning faster travel times and a more efficient network from today onwards.

The new concrete bridge was first opened for two lanes of traffic, under restricted conditions, in September 2017. The opening of four lanes marks the completion of roadworks for the project.

The stunning, curved structure was built in 13 segments on the western foreshore by construction crews from Georgiou Group.

Each segment was then barged over Mandurah Estuary to the eastern foreshore over many months from the specially constructed concrete casting bed.

The new bridge's four traffic lanes are divided by a concrete median with a separate five metre-wide pedestrian and cyclist path located on the north side of the bridge. 

Demolition of the old bridge is about 60 per cent complete and due to be finished in January 2018. Work to complete paths, feature boardwalks under the new bridge and landscaping will continue through to February 2018.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Completing the roadworks before Christmas boosts traffic access for the community to the shopping and cafe precincts in Mandurah.

"I want to thank the City of Mandurah for its excellent teamwork, and the people of Mandurah for their patience while this important project was being constructed, under complex traffic conditions and adjacent to the business precinct.

Comments attributed to Mandurah MLA David Templeman:

"Its been fantastic to involve some younger members of the local community in our vintage car trip today, travelling over the new bridge in the yet-to-be opened lanes.

"The new bridge is about connecting our community and providing for the future, a message well represented through the schoolchildren from Mandurah participating today."

Comments attributed to Mayor of the City of Mandurah, Rhys Williams:

"Completion of the roadworks for the Old Mandurah Traffic Bridge Replacement project marks a significant milestone for the Mandurah community as they have worked hard over a number of years to develop and implement a plan to replace the old bridge.

"The project has been a well-orchestrated partnership between the City of Mandurah, State Government and the design and construction contractor, Georgiou Group."

Minister's office - 6552 5500