Stage three of a contract that will see a second river crossing built between Victoria and New South Wales at Echuca and Moama has been awarded, with construction set to begin in 2020.
McConnell Dowell Contractors will undertake the construction works and deliver new bridges over the Murray and Campaspe rivers along with two new flood relief bridges.
The project will also see a new two lane road north of the roundabout on Warren Street in Echuca to the Cobb Highway in Moama, safety barriers, noise walls and a shared walking and cycling path along the route and over the new bridges.
Works for stage three are set to begin in early 2020 with the projects completion estimated for late 2022.
The bridges will integrate with surrounding natural environments using a ‘bridges through the treetops design’. Clear spans over the two rivers will minimise environmental disturbance to the waterway and aquatic habitat.
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The upgrade of Warren Street, stage two of the project, is on track to be completed and reopened to traffic later this year.
Stage four will then include upgrading the Cobb Highway in New South Wales, specifically the intersections of Meninya Street and Perricoota road. Works will take place concurrently with the building of the new bridge.
The $323.7 million overall project is jointly funded by the Federal, Victorian and New South Wales Governments. Stage three is being delivered by Major Road Projects Victoria.
McConnell Dowell Australia’s Managing Director, Jim Frith, said he looks forward to working with Major Road Projects Victoria to deliver the infrastructure project.
“Our technical solution is smart and our construction approach will be to work with and to minimise impact on the community and the environment,” he said.
“We will retain as much economic benefit as we can in the Echuca-Moama region by buying local and employing locals throughout construction.”Echuca
Federal Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister, 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,” 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.”