A $7 million replacement of the old timber bridge over the Murray River on Coolup East Road is taking shape, with the new bridge expected to pass an important milestone on Friday.
The second half of the bridge is expected to be lifted into place after several months of work.
Since the beginning of April, a temporary pier necessary for the second lift was installed, structural steel assembly completed, precast panels installed, reinforcement placed and the concrete deck for the second section of the bridge poured in preparation for the lift.
The rock protection on the bank of the eastern abutment is also underway.
When complete, the 98-metre, two-span steel and concrete bridge would be in the place of the old 101-metre, 13-span timber bridge.
The state government funded the project through the State Initiative Program and transport minister Dean Nalder brought forward construction to 2015 due to the urgency of the work.
Construction on the new bridge will be complete in the coming months.
Nathan Hondros
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
