WORKS on the Brumby Government’s $40 million Barwon Heads Bridge reconstruction will start this month following the appointment of McConnell Dowell Construction to the project, Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas announced today (Wednesday).
Mr Pallas said the construction would be good news for the local economy with the more than 30 full-time staff to be employed during the life of the project.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to invest in important infrastructure projects like Barwon Heads Bridge that create jobs and boost industry, while building a world-class road network for Victoria,” Mr Pallas said.
“The reconstruction, expected to be completed by the end of 2010, will preserve the iconic status of the bridge and ensure it provides a safe and practical solution to the current and future traffic needs in the area.
“This bridge has served the community well so far but it is close to the end of its life – in 2006 it was assessed to have only four to six years remaining. We need to act now so the bridge remains a safe gateway to this beautiful part of Victoria, with any further delays potentially jeopardising the main link between Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads.”
Member for South Barwon Michael Crutchfield MP said a new architecturally designed pedestrian bridge would be built alongside the reconstructed road bridge to allow people to safely ride and walk across the river.
“It will include a fishing platform along the full length of the pedestrian bridge to allow anglers to continue to fish safely at the popular fishing site. The reconstruction will also incorporate a boardwalk on the eastern side and a pedestrian area on the western side linking the pedestrian bridge with cycling and walking networks,” Mr Crutchfield said.
“This project will make sure the area continues to be a popular tourist destination while maintaining the character of the timber bridge and catering for local and tourist traffic.”
Mr Pallas said VicRoads had worked hard to make sure the upgraded bridge balanced its historic appeal with its role as a key road link.
“We are delivering the two bridge option because a single bridge could not incorporate the heritage features with the structural improvements needed to make the bridge safe,” he said.
“We will also ensure the local environment is protected, particularly the Ocean Grove Spit, with measures such as fencing off areas to protect flora and restricting construction vehicle access to the beach and foreshore dunes.”
The first stage of construction will include the new pedestrian bridge and the reconstruction of the downstream half of the timber road bridge. VicRoads will continue to keep the community informed and involved in the project with regular updates.
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