Contract Awarded For $56.9 Million Cox's Bridge Upgrade
Source: Victorian Government - http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/index.php
20 August 2010
From the Minister for Roads & Ports - Tim Pallas MP
The contract to
build the final stage of the $56.9 million Cox’s Bridge flood protection
project on the South Gippsland Highway between Sale and Longford was
announced today by Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas.
Visiting Cox’s Bridge today, Mr Pallas said construction company Cut &
Fill had been awarded the contract to build the two new bridges as part
of the project, as well as the new section of the South Gippsland
Highway up to 1.5 metres above the existing height of the road.
“Regional Victoria is growing faster than it has in decades, that’s why
the Brumby Labor Government is delivering a blueprint for growth that
invests in job-creating infrastructure and supports new jobs and
investments in cities and towns across the State,” Mr Pallas said.
“The Cox’s Bridge upgrade is the final stage of the South Gippsland
Highway flood protection project between Sale and Longford and will give
motorists a reliable route between the two towns on a notoriously
flood-prone stretch of road.
“Since 1974 this section of the highway has been blocked due to flooding
on 23 occasions, with closures for up to two weeks and massive repair
bills, causing lengthy and frustrating delays and detours for many
residents, local industry and tourists.
“When complete, the new road will be up to 1.5 metres higher than the
existing road and will be resistant to a 1-in-20 year size flood. The
two new bridges will be resistant to a 1-in-100 year flood and will
provide adequate floodway flow to the Sale Common Wetlands.
“Roads are the lifeblood of regional communities and this section of
South Gippsland Highway is one of the busiest, carrying 4,500 vehicles a
day with around 10 per cent being commercial.”
Member for Eastern Victoria Matt Viney said some curves in the road
would be removed because of the new alignment, greatly improving road
safety along the highway.
“There will also be sections of new bike track built in the area, to
link up to existing paths and wetland walkway. It will mean cyclists and
those on foot will be able to go all the way from Sale to the historic
Swing Bridge at Longford without ever having to cross the road,” Mr
Viney said.
Preconstruction works are already underway, including tree removal
works, with more to come over the next month. Full construction is
expected to start around late October and should take about two years to
complete.
The Brumby Labor Government has already completed significant work to
reduce flood impact on the South Gippsland Highway, including the $14
million Swing Bridge project and $7 million for the Long Waterhole
Bridge replacement.
Mr Pallas today also announced more than $4.3 million for upgrades to
two bridges and seven stretches of road in the East and South Gippsland
region.
“Roads are key to Victoria’s economic and social development –
connecting our towns and suburbs, ensuring efficient freight movement
and creating jobs,” he said.
The range of new safety improvements in the region include:
• $2.1 million for run off road treatments for the 10
kilometre stretch of Princes Hwy East, Kalimna
West, including wire rope safety barriers, guard fences, shoulder
sealing, tree removal, powerpole relocation and linemarking;
• $741,000 for road surface repair works to two water
damaged sections of the Strzelecki Highway near Berry’s Creek and Mirboo
North, including significant drainage upgrades;
• $467,000 to stabilise and resurface part of
Korumburra-Wonthaggi Road at Jumbunna;
• $384,000 for stabilising and resurfacing a section of the
Commercial Road at Yarram;
• $112,000 for repairs and upgrades to culverts beneath the
Black Camp River bridge along the Great Alpine Road near Omeo;
• $163,000 for widening of Glen Arte Road in Murrungowar;
• $200,000 for bridge construction on Albert River Road in
Grand Ridge; and
• $136,000 for widening of Jack River Road in Jack River.
Mr Viney said the new funding was a great boost for the region and would
be welcomed by local residents and businesses.
“This range of safety measures, including new wire rope safety barriers,
guard rails, shoulder sealing, upgrades to signage and roadside
clearing, will go some way to ensuring local people get to their
destinations safer and easier,” he said.
The new funding from the Brumby Labor Government is in addition to $7.13
million announced recently for South Gippsland Highway upgrades from
east of Bena to Meeniyan, including installation of wire rope safety
barriers and guard fences and removal of roadside hazards.
A $650,000 boost was also recently announced for the Hyland Highway
between Traralgon and Yarram for new signage, 800 new guideposts and
improved line-marking.