Freeway to close for bridge works

The state government has awarded Bocol Constructions and MACA a contract to raise the height of the Hay Street traffic bridge, a project that will require the closure of Mitchell Freeway for two weekends.

Plans to raise the height clearance of the 52-year-old bridge were announced last year, following a series of strikes from over-height vehicles such as trucks, which have hit the bridge nine times in the past five years.

A joint venture between Bocol and MACA will increase the clearance of the bridge by 25 centimetres for motorists travelling southbound on the Mitchell Freeway.

A six metre by 21-metre section of the existing bridge will be replaced by a new raised section and a bridge protection beam will be installed to minimise the risk of damage to over-height vehicles.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said there were significant safety risks and traffic delays caused by vehicle strikes.

“Lane closures are often required to clean up resulting debris and to assess potential bridge damage,” she said.

“This leads to heavy traffic congestion for long periods of time, causing road users to become frustrated.”

The bridge will be dismantled during the first weekend and a new bridge section will be installed during the second.

The weekend closures will be at night and take place two months apart.

“Given the complex nature of these works, as well as the location, there will be substantial impacts for road users and the wider community,” Ms Saffioti said.

“Main Roads Western Australia and BMJV will explore all opportunities to minimise these impacts, and will work closely with stakeholders during the development of the design and construction.”

She said the project was expected to create 40 jobs during construction, with the works due to complete by September.

The Hay Street Bridge was built in 1968 and complied with bridge height clearance standards at the time, but is now considered a low height clearance structure.