Construction on a vital second river crossing between Victoria and New South Wales is a step closer, following the awarding of the contract to McConnell Dowell Constructors (Australia).
Stage 3 of the project includes new bridges over the Murray and Campaspe rivers and two new flood relief bridges. For those choosing a different pace, there will be a new pathway for walking and cycling.
McConnell Dowell Constructors (Australia) has been announced as the contractor to build the new road between Echuca in Victoria and Moama in New South Wales, taking thousands of vehicles off the existing Murray River Bridge and better linking the two states.
A new two-lane, two-way road north of the new Warren Street roundabout in Echuca to the Cobb Highway in Moama, is included in the Stage 3 build.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government is working with Victoria and New South Wales to future-proof the region.
“The new bridge will have a single lane in each direction, meeting traffic demands for at least 30 years– but beyond that, the design will allow for additional lanes to be added in the future,” Mr McCormack said.
“The new crossing for the Campaspe and Murray rivers will also provide economic and travel benefits right across the region and is estimated to provide direct employment for up to 240 people.”
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said Stage 3 is the vital link of the project which once complete will boost the cross-border economy for Echuca and Moama locals with a reliable second crossing.
“The new bridge will give drivers an alternative to the existing bridge, which transports around 25,000 vehicles each day – including 1,500 trucks and heavy vehicles, helping to reduce congestion and improve industry productivity,” Ms Allan said.
“The second crossing is expected to reduce this figure by around 40%, which means around 10,000 fewer vehicles each day driving on local roads over the coming years.”
New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the announcement of the successful contractor for Stage 4 will be made in the coming weeks.
“Providing a second river crossing will cut travel times for drivers and cyclists and pedestrians will benefit from a new walking and cycling path,” Mr Toole said.
“The bridge will allow improved access for emergency services and will support high productivity freight vehicles, improving freight access through southern New South Wales and northern Victoria.
“As part of Stage 4, the NSW Government will be upgrading the Cobb Highway intersections of Meninya Street and Perricoota Road, with work to take place concurrently with the building of the new bridge.”
Stage 2 of the project, the upgrade of Warren Street, is on track to be completed and fully reopened to traffic later this year.
The $323.7 million Echuca-Moama Bridge Project is jointly funded by the Federal, Victorian and New South Wales governments, with Stage 3 being delivered by Major Road Projects Victoria.
Source: Australian Government
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