REGIONAL Development Minister Terry Redman announced the replacement of the Old Mandurah Bridge would go from being ordinary to iconic after receiving an additional $8.8 million in funding today.
Mr Redman announced the funds, provided by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, would lift the total spend on a replacement to Mandurah’s 62-year old traffic bridge to $51.8m.
“It has taken what was an average bridge to an iconic bridge and why shouldn’t Mandurah have an iconic bridge,” Mr Redman said.
“[The investment] will enable the replacement bridge to have additional features such as a higher clearance for bigger boats to pass under and recreational facilities such as fishing platforms.”
The additional funding comprises of $40m from the State Government through the Department of Transport and $3m the City of Mandurah.
Deputy premier Kim Hames said the bridge would now be something Mandurah could be proud of.
“It shows people outside the metropolitan area the benefits that Royalty for Regions brings,” he said. “It allows us to put the cream on the cake.”
City of Mandurah mayor Marina Vergone welcomed the additional funding.
“It will enable us to give the community of Mandurah an iconic bridge,” she said.
“We will be able employ a historical architect to preserve the history [of the bridge].”
In March Georgiou Group, Lend Lease Engineering and the OHL/York Joint Venture were short listed to provide concept designs for the new bridge.
The groups will now have time to go away and make changes to their submission to include the additional funding with a June 23 deadline.
A contract is expected to be awarded in September/October with construction due to start later this year.
For more information go to haveyoursaymandurah.com.au/oldmandurahbridge
