La Trobe MP Jason Wood and Springfield Ward councillor Lorraine Wreford near the site of where work will soon begin on the Bryn Mawr Bridge across the railway line at Berwick.By Jim Mynard
CONSTRUCTION of the $10 million Bryn Mawr Bridge at Berwick will soon start.
La Trobe MP Jason Wood and Casey mayor Kevin Bradford last week announced the design phase was complete and digging would start in a few days.
Mr Wood said he was delighted to hear work was about to begin and he was sure the bridge would alleviate traffic concerns for the local area.
“We have seen several facilities established, including Monash University, Chisholm Institute, Beaconhills College and the new Casey Hospital, that generate significant traffic movements in the area,” he said.
“Building an extension of Soldiers Road over the railway into Bryn Mawr Boulevard will provide a safer and more convenient access for northsouth vehicle movements.”
Cr Bradford said the project was expected to take 14 months and be completed by mid2007.
“This is an exciting infrastructure project for Casey Council and will provide the community with a muchneeded piece of road infrastructure,” he said.
“The community, including local residents, two school populations and motorists travelling to facilities such as the Casey Hospital and Berwick Village Shopping Centre, will benefit from the improved access and mobility that the bridge will deliver.”
Cr Bradford said the Federal Government was providing up to $10 million for the project, and Cut and Fill Pty Ltd had designed and would build the bridge.
“Casey Council is overseeing the project throughout all phases from design through to completion of construction,” he said.
Casey director of infrastructure services Ray Butler said the bridge was more complex than other typical road projects.
“The site has tight physical constraints and active utility services functioning around it,” he said.
Mr Butler said the bridge was being built over an active railway line, and there were also major water mains, phone services and sewer services to be crossed.
“The area is surrounded by a built urban area including two schools abutting the future road, as well as a floodway, that add to the project’s uniqueness and degree of difficulty,” he said.
Mr Wood expressed thanks to residents for their support of the project and to Minister for Local Government and Roads Jim Lloyd for visiting La Trobe and seeing how important the bridge was.
