State govt brings $10m for new bridge

The state government is providing $10 million to fast-track the replacement of a traffic bridge over the Murray River south of Pinjarra.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the ageing bridge, on Coolup East Road, would be replaced with a new two-span steel and concrete structure, with funding provided through the state initiatives component of the Local Roads program.

“We have brought forward funding from 2016-17 and 2017-18 to enable works to start in October this year and be completed in late 2016,” Mr Nalder said.

“The decision to bring forward the construction of the new bridge will be good news for transport operators and all other road users.”

Tenders for the project will be called next Wednesday.

The existing timber and concrete bridge, built in 1964, has a 10-tonne road limit due to its age and condition.