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Transport Minister Rita Saffioti today announced that an alliance contract had been awarded to Bocol and MACA Joint Venture (BMJV) for work on the Hay Street Bridge in the city.

The work will increase the clearance of the Hay Street Bridge by 250 millimetres for southbound motorists, over the Mitchell Freeway in Perth.

To achieve this, a six metre by 21 metre-long section of the existing bridge will be replaced with a new raised section.

A bridge protection beam will also be installed to help minimise the risk of damage in the event of future strikes by unauthorised over-height vehicles.

The Hay Street Bridge was constructed in 1968 and complied with bridge height clearance standards at that time, however, it is now considered a low height clearance structure.

Data shows that the bridge has been hit 20 times, nine of those in the past five years alone.

In order for this project to be completed in a safe and effective way, the southbound freeway at this location will need to be closed for two full weekends - one weekend to dismantle the bridge section and another to install the new bridge section.

It is expected that these closures will take place approximately two months apart but the bridge and freeway will remain open during the day with additional night closures only during the project.

Freeway closure details including dates will be widely communicated to the public once they are confirmed closer to construction.

Work is expected to be completed by September 2020. The $6.75 million project is being funded by the State Government.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"As most Perth road users would be aware, there are very significant safety risks and traffic delays caused by unauthorised over-height vehicles hitting the Hay Street Bridge when travelling southbound on Mitchell Freeway.

"Lane closures are often required to clean up resulting debris and to assess potential bridge damage. This leads to heavy traffic congestion for long periods of time, causing road users to become frustrated.

"Modification works will be undertaken by an alliance contract. It is expected that 40 new jobs will be created during the construction phase.

"Given the complex nature of these works, as well as the location, there will be substantial impacts for road users and the wider community.

"Main Roads and BMJV will explore all opportunities to minimise these impacts, and will work closely with stakeholders during the development of the design and construction."

Minister's office - 6552 5500