Early works to upgrade a notoriously dangerous intersection will start in the next few weeks as part of the construction works for the long-overdue Echuca-Moama Bridge for Northern Victoria.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan and Federal Member for Murray Damian Drum today visited the project’s first worksite in Echuca to announce the preliminary works, that will pave the way for the second Murray River crossing to be built.
The new roundabout will be built at the intersection of Warren Street and Murray Valley Highway – where 12 people have been injured in the past five years.
The busy intersection is an important gateway connecting communities and businesses between Echuca and towns along the Murray River and Moama.
The upgrade will remove three dangerous ‘Y’ intersections, making it safer and easier for people to get around.
Preliminary works on the site will include field surveys, ground testing, geotechnical investigations, and discussions with landowners nearby.
The approved route for the new Echuca-Moama Bridge will connect the Murray Valley Highway at Echuca with the Cobb Highway in Moama. Minister for Planning Richard Wynne approved the project under the Environmental Effects Act in March 2016.
The Andrews Labor Government provided $96 million for the project in the Victorian Budget 2016/17, with the Commonwealth Government contributing $97 million and the NSW Government investing $87 million.
Once complete, the new bridge will provide an economic and social boost to communities in Echuca and Moama, who rely on the crossing to get where they need to go every day.
A business case for the project will be completed in the coming months.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan
“These early works will lay the groundwork to start building the new Echuca-Moama Bridge – creating local construction jobs and better connecting our communities.”
“Upgrading the notorious intersection on the Murray Valley Highway will also boost safety for residents and visitors in the area. The local community have been calling for a safer route for a long time, and we’ll get it done.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Murray Damian Drum
“Building the new bridge will boost infrastructure in our region and give residents living either side of the Murray River better access to Echuca and Moama.”
“The recent tree fall which blocked the bridge and access between the towns is a clear reminder of the need for this new bridge, and we are on track to deliver it.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020