Work begins on $12M bridge replacements on Albany Hwy

Works are underway to replace two bridges on the Albany Highway in Williams, Western Australia, as part of a $12 million upgrade project.

The upgrade also includes improvements to the Albany Highway and intersection improvements at Richardson Road.

It aims to improve driving conditions for local residents and freight operators by providing safer and more productive bridges.

The bridges will have higher load limits, increasing from 20 tonnes to 166 tonnes, to provide benefits to the heavy vehicle industry along one of the state’s major freight routes.

Around 3800 to 4600 vehicles use the bridges in Williams each day, with 17 per cent of them heavy vehicles, according to the Main Roads WA and the Federal Government.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the upgrade will replace the bridges located at the northern end and southern end of Williams.

“The Federal Government recognised the significance of these bridges, so we fast-tracked the funding to ensure works began this spring,” Mr McCormack said.

“With the replacement of these old bridges, we will also see a reduction in maintenance costs, saving taxpayers’ dollars.”

WA Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said the project also includes social amenity improvements, including additional street lighting and pedestrian connectivity.

“The construction of temporary crossings over the waterways occurred earlier this year, and were also funded by the Federal Government, ensuring local, tourist and freight traffic can continue using Albany Highway during these important bridge works.”

The Federal Government has committed $5 million to the project under round three of the Bridges Renewal Program, with the WA Government funding the remaining costs.

The replacement bridges are expected to be complete by the end of 2019, weather permitting.

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