WA bridge to improve road safety

The new $4.9 million two-lane Tone Bridge located along the Boyup Brook – Cranbrook Road at Tonebridge, Western Australia, is now complete, with the project set to improve safety for passenger and freight vehicles.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the upgrade was part of the Australian Government’s $75 billion commitment to building better infrastructure across the nation.

“This is just one of the important bridges to receive funding from the Australian Government’s $480 million Bridges Renewal Program for projects which contribute to improving productivity and community access,” said Mr. McCormack.

Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said around 400 vehicles used the old single-lane bridge daily, including a high number of trucks, road trains and caravans.

“By removing the need to stop and give way to oncoming vehicles, the new double-lane bridge will improve safety and productivity for heavy freight vehicles carrying wood chips, logs, grain and sheep to the Port of Bunbury, and fertiliser and lime from the west coast,” said Ms. Saffioti.

Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson said the project would facilitate safer access for vehicles entering and leaving the Shire of Boyup Brook on one of its major distributor roads.

“The new bridge replaces the single-lane, 90-year-old aged timber bridge with a two-lane concrete structure that will benefit regional community access and provide safer passage on the Albany to Bunbury tourist drive,” said Mr. Wilson.

The $4.9 million Cranbrook Road Bridge Replacement project was funded on a 50:50 basis by the Australian and Western Australian governments under Round 2 of the Bridges Renewal Program, with the Western Australian Government overseeing the works.

State Member for the South West Region Adele Farina said the 53 metre bridge used an innovative design, which is the first of its kind in Australia.

“The design is unique, using a combination of steel beams and reinforced concrete, which offers benefits in safety, reduced material requirements and minimal maintenance requirements. The new dual lane bridge will provide greater safety for all users,” said Ms. Farina.