Mt Lawley’s Third Avenue Bridge finally opens to the public

RESIDENTS and commuters had the chance to inspect the new Third Avenue bridge ahead of its opening.

The bridge was officially opened to the public on Saturday May 14 after eight months of construction.

Community members were able to view and walk across the new steel and concrete structure between 9am and 3pm before the official opening ceremony.

Mt Lawley MLA Michael Sutherland thanked residents for their patience during the bridge’s construction.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the new bridge was a significant traffic infrastructure upgrade that would benefit motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

“Demolishing and rebuilding this bridge in such a short time span presented a significant challenge, especially when you consider the complexity of the project and the constraints of building in a densely populated residential area over a live rail line,” he said.

“The new bridge has a second lane on the city-bound side to improve traffic flow during the busy peak morning period, as well as a 30m underpass for pedestrians and cyclists along Whatley Crescent and a new footpath over the bridge.”

The original bridge was built out of timber 106 years ago and the State Government invested $9.1 million to replace it with a concrete one.

– The Third Avenue Bridge carries about 10,000 cars every weekday

– The new bridge has a span of more than 20 metres