East Coolup Bridge opens in Western Australia

BMD Constructions has delivered the East Coolup Bridge over the Murray River, south of Pinjarra in Western Australia, with the key transport link officially opened to traffic on 14 October by Transport Minister Bill Marmion.

The works for Main Roads Western Australia began in October 2015 with the careful demolition of the existing timber and concrete structure built during the 1960s with a 10-tonne load limit, which was deteriorating due to its age and condition.

The $6.3 million upgrade of the bridge from the South Western Highway to Pinjarra Williams Road, has improved driving conditions and safety of road users, and allowed use by heavier vehicles in this growing community.

BMD Constructions approached the design and ultimate construction of the bridge structure collaboratively with Main Roads Western Australia, delivering an innovative incremental launch technique, a first for Western Australia. The site was limited to a tight footprint and works were carefully planned and staged to ensure continual progress, successfully launching the first 50 metre span of the structure in May. This milestone along with the fast tracked schedule resulted in the delivery of all project objectives including on time and within budget.

The project team placed particular emphasis on BMD’s Zero Harm goal with a strong safety culture established onsite, evidenced by the project’s delivery 12 months lost time injury free and with zero environmental incidents.

View the government media release