Winslow Constructors has been awarded the contract to deliver major upgrades to Echuca’s Warren Street as part of Stage 2 of the Echuca-Moama Bridge project. Construction on the $26.35 million project is set to commence shortly following the contract award from the Australia, Victorian and New South Wales Governments.
The Stage 2 upgrade will involve building four new flood relief bridges, dedicated residential service roads and turning lanes at intersections which will include an extended right turning lane to the Echuca Cemetery to provide safer access to it.
The project will also comprise of a shared-user path and a roundabout connection to the new Murray River crossing that is going to be built during the third stage of the Echuca-Moama Bridge project.
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack, upgrade works to Warren Street are needed to cater to the projected increase in traffic volume once all four stages of the Echuca-Moama Bridge project are completed.
“Warren Street will serve as the major link to the new river crossing, and it’s important we ensure the infrastructure is equipped to handle the extra traffic, as well as delivering a safer journey for all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians,” Mr McCormack said.
Traffic volume is expected to increase by approximately 51 per cent along Warren Street going towards the new river crossing once the bridge project is completed.
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said that this upgrade will enable the installation of four new flood relief bridges along Warren Street. These new bridges will be replacing the old existing structures along the route.
“The current narrow bridges are almost 80 years old and can’t cater for the higher number of trucks expected for the new Murray river crossing,” Mr Donnellan said.
Construction is expected to be completed by late 2019. During the construction period, Warren Street is going to be closed to vehicles but will have available access to residents, businesses, emergency services and the Echuca Cemetery.
Source: VicRoads
NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said that this project will be a boost to the local economy.
“Whether it is businesses able to make cross-border deliveries more quickly, more reliable trip times for commuters, or the 400 direct and more than 1,000 indirect jobs to be supported, the flow-on benefits from the upgrade will be felt across the region,” Ms Pavey said.
The Echuca-Moama Bridge project is valued at $280 million and it is jointly funded by the Australian, Victorian and New South Wales Governments.
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Source: Premier of Victoria