Work on the Patterson River road bridge is ahead of schedule and the bridge will open to traffic by the end of September — in time for snapper season.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan joined Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny today at the Patterson River bridge site in Carrum as works wrap up to construct the road bridge which will connect the communities of Carrum and Bonbeach.
Carrum residents can look forward to being able to drive along Station Street without having to detour onto the Nepean Highway for the first time, something locals have been wanting for decades.
The Patterson River bridge is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $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 bridge will have two lanes for local traffic open by the end of September, 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.
Construction of the bridge started in early 2018 when an 18.5 metre barge was towed 30 nautical miles 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 community strongly advocated for a second road bridge during consultation, and its construction, alongside work in Carrum, will allow for the removal of three level crossings at Mascot Avenue, Station Street, and Eel Race Road.
The removal of crossings on the Frankston line will grind to a halt under a Liberal Government.
Construction in and around Carrum and Bonbeach is part of a massive $2 billion investment on the Frankston line which includes the removal of 13 level crossings and building 10 new stations.
Quotes attributable Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“Finishing work on the Patterson River bridge months ahead of schedule and in time for snapper season paves the way for the $50 million revitalisation of Carrum village and the removal of three level crossings in Carrum and Bonbeach.”
“I’d like to thank users of Patterson River for their patience as these important works were undertaken – this new road bridge will deliver benefits for those who use rail, road and the river.”
Quote attributable to Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny
“The community has been asking for this bridge for a very long time. I am so proud this government has listened to the people of Bonbeach and Carrum and is delivering for them.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020