Claremont’s ageing Ashton Avenue Bridge is another step closer to being replaced, with the $8.4 million construction contract to build its replacement awarded this week.
A joint statement from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Barnaby Joyce and Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti announced that Coleman Rail had been awarded the contract to build the new bridge.
Ms. Saffioti said the old timber bridge on Ashton Avenue was built more than 100 years ago, and the current 12-tonne load limit had reached the end of its usable life.
“Replacing this ageing structure with a modern steel and concrete bridge that can support up to a 166-tonne load limit will ensure it is suitable for all vehicles,” Ms Saffioti said.
“Traffic flow will also be improved with the inclusion of a second traffic lane southbound, providing a dedicated right-turn lane on this busy route, while pedestrians and cyclists will benefit from upgraded facilities.”
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and State governments under Round 3 of the Bridges Renewal Program.
“Across the country, this program is upgrading and replacing bridges to improve links between local communities and reduce business costs by supporting higher productivity freight access,” Mr. Joyce said.
The bridge is scheduled to close on 1 February and be demolished on the weekend starting 23 February. The new bridge is expected to be completed by September 2018
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