Work has commenced on the Mandurah Estuary Bridge Duplication — a project that will reduce congestion in Mandurah and Dawesville.
The project will involve a second, two-lane bridge being built on the south side of the existing structure.
This will provide additional traffic lanes for the original bridge, which is the main traffic access to southern Mandurah.
A new four-metre-wide shared path will also be built to help the local community better access recreational activities, including fishing.
WA Premier Roger Cook stated: “Duplicating the bridge will significantly reduce congestion that is currently experienced on approach to the bridge and cut travel times for the thousands of commuters who use the bridge each day.”
More than 33,000 vehicles currently use the existing Mandurah Estuary Bridge every day — with congestion an ongoing issue — particularly during the busy holiday seasons.
Originally constructed in the 1980s, the Mandurah Estuary Bridge was designed with future duplication in mind.
The bridge will be built utilising the incremental launch method.
A total of 15 concrete bridge segments will be constructed on site and incrementally launched across the estuary from the south-eastern embankment.
The project is expected to be completed by late-2025.
The $136 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, with each contributing $68 million.
WA Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said: “This bridge is not just an essential piece of infrastructure, but a vital link between families, businesses and communities which will soon experience better and more reliable transport connection between northern and southern Mandurah.”