THE Station Street bridge connecting Bonbeach and Carrum has been opened to the public.
Premier Daniel Andrews visited Carrum MP Sonya Kilkenny on 22 September to officially signal the completion of the project, which began in March of this year.
The bridge runs over Patterson River, and is replacing the pedestrian bridge that used to stand in its place. The new bridge is open for cars to make their way along Station Street.
Construction of the bridge began when an 18.5 metre barge was towed in from Queenscliff. A 250 tonne crane was placed on the barge, and has been used for everything from the initial piling work to lifting the final beams onto the bridge.
“The Station Street bridge will transform the way locals move around Carrum. The new bridge has two lanes for local traffic open now, with a dedicated bike lane and a shared walking and cycling path opening later in the year. Construction and landscaping will continue until early 2019,” Carrum MP Sonya Kilkenny said.
“The bridge is part of the $588 million project which includes three level crossing removals, the revitalisation of Carrum village, and a new beach promenade which will ensure a safer connection for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians making short local trips safer and easier.
“The new Station Street road bridge will provide a safer and more direct connection for locals between Bonbeach and Carrum. The bridge will slash travel times every day for thousands of people and will mean locals won’t have to negotiate four level crossings every day.
“The Bonbeach and Carrum communities have been asking for this bridge for decades. I am just so proud to be their local representative and a member of this government that is delivering for them and helping to make their lives better and safer.”
The new Station Street road bridge will be named by the community, with entries accepted at your.levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/bridge-naming before 5 October.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 26 September 2018
