Scienceworks Provides Inside Story On West Gate Bridge
Source: Victorian Government - http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/index.php
28 August 2010
From the Minister for Roads & Ports - Tim Pallas MP
A new exhibit about the West Gate Bridge opened at Scienceworks today, providing a new and up-close view of one of Melbourne’s most iconic structures.
Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas was joined by the Member for Williamstown Wade Noonan to launch the exhibit today and said it was a fitting legacy to the symbolic structure and to all those involved in the original construction and the current strengthening project.
“The West Gate Bridge is now over 30 years old and is not only an important link between the CBD and Melbourne’s west, but a prominent feature of our city and state,” Mr Pallas said.
“This new Scienceworks exhibit is in the shadow of the bridge and outlines the Brumby Labor Government’s strengthening project, which is the biggest investment in the bridge since it was first built.
“There are now 500 workers involved in the project to strengthen and expand the bridge to five lanes in each direction. When driving over the top of the West Gate, people don’t get to see what those workers are doing so this exhibit helps to visualise this remarkable engineering feat.
“The exhibit has been designed and built by the strengthening team as a lasting gift to future generations of Victorians who are interested in the West Gate Bridge.”
Mr Pallas said the exhibit focused on key themes of safety, access, construction materials and engineering, while being interactive and focused on educating students and children.
“We’re undertaking the most complex infrastructure construction project in the country, with hundreds of people working on and inside the bridge,” he said.
“More than 350,000 bolts and 1,600 tonnes of steel are being added to the bridge and enough carbon fibre fabric is being used to cover half the MCG.
“This exhibit is a great way to show Victorians what amazing work is being undertaken on the West Gate Bridge.”
As well as delivering five lanes in each direction, the project will add new barriers to improve traffic flow and enhance public safety.
Mr Pallas also thanked motorists for their patience during the strengthening project.
The West Gate Bridge Strengthening Project is part of the $1.39 billion Monash-CityLink-West Gate (M1) Upgrade.