The plan to build a second bridge at Mamre Road, over the M4 Motorway, has been approved and construction is expected to commence in February 2008.
This project will result in two parallel bridges, one carrying traffic in each direction.
The total project value is $15 million and is fully funded by the NSW Government.
Background
Mamre Road crosses the M4 Motorway at St Marys/St Clair. The existing Mamre Road bridge was build in 1972 in conjunction with the construction of the M4 Western Motorway, and is used by approximately 32,000 vehicles per day.
Mamre Road, in conjunction with Elizabeth Drive and the Great Western Highway, provides a link between the regional centres of Liverpool and St Marys/Penrith.
The existing bridge has two traffic lanes, one in each direction, however, the approaches to it have four lanes, two in each direction. As a result, Mamre Road currently experiences significant queuing and delays northbound during the morning peak and southbound during the afternoon peak.
Bridge duplication
The new bridge will be built to carry northbound traffic, with two through-lanes and a third dedicated left turn lane to the M4 onload ramp eastbound. Once the new bridge is built, the existing two-lane bridge will be dedicated to carrying southbound traffic.
Provision will be made on the new bridge for a shared cyclist/pedestrian pathway. The pedestrian pathway on the existing bridge will be retained.
Benefits
The duplication of the Mamre Road bridge will:
Ease congestion on this busy route.
Improve traffic flow.
Improve access.
Improve safety for vehicles and pedestrians.
Reduce travel time along the Mamre Road corridor.
What is happening now?
A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the project has now been completed. The REF assessed environmental and social impacts, including traffic impacts, urban design, flora and fauna, and construction noise and vibration.
The REF was approved in June 2007. The RTA completed the detail design for this project in September 2007.
Tenders were advertised in October 2007 and awarded to McMahon Contractors Pty Ltd in early January 2008.
Construction is expected to commence in February 2008 and the project is currently scheduled to be completed by mid 2009, weather permitting.
During construction the RTA will advise the local community, businesses and motorist of progress.
Further information
Please contact the Project Manager, Tony Sharoo on (02) 8849 2515 or email tony_sharoo@rta.nsw.gov.au.
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