Traffic congestion along Ranford Road has improved significantly with the new Ranford Bridge officially completed and all lanes opened to traffic today.
The new Ranford Road Bridge is 1.2 metres higher, 15 metres longer and significantly wider – including six general traffic lanes (three in each direction), plus a dedicated bus lane and shared path for pedestrians and cyclists on each side.
The original bridge had only two lanes in each direction with the new bridge expected to cater for an estimated average two-way traffic flow of 43,000 vehicles a day.
The significantly enhanced bridge has been delivered as part of the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link project, with the old bridge too low to support the new passenger rail below.
The new bridge is a significant structure, consisting of:
- 154 piles, between eight and 17 metres deep;
- 10 beams each weighing 197 tonnes;
- 140,000 kilograms of reinforcing steel; and
- 730 cubic metres of concrete.
The staged approach to bridge construction has meant traffic lanes could be maintained while the old bridge was demolished, and new bridge built.
The completion of the new Ranford Road Bridge comes as works on the 17.5-kilometre Thornlie-Cockburn Link continue to surge ahead, with the project remaining on track for completion in 2025.
The project will deliver the first east-west rail link between the Mandurah and Armadale Line, with two new stations built at Ranford Road and Nicholson Road.
Structural steel is now in place for the entry buildings for both stations, while bus canopies have also been built. Nicholson Road Station has also recently had a 27-tonne lift shaft, which will house the lifts that will carry passengers between the entry building and concourse.
Once complete, the Ranford Road Station and Nicholson Road Station will offer passengers a 29-minute and 26-minute journey to the city respectively.
The $1.352billion Thornlie-Cockburn Link project is jointly funded by the WA State Government and the Australian Government.
As stated by Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“The Australian Government is proud to be partnering with the Western Australian Government to enable funding to upgrade this long-needed essential road link in southern Perth.
“It’s great to see the completion of this bridge project which now means a safer, smoother and more efficient link along Ranford Road, better catering for the large amount of traffic and huge weight involved in enabling that amount of traffic to constantly cross the bridge.”
As stated by Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The completion of this bridge is a significant milestone in this major project that will not only improve traffic flow for thousands of motorists each year but also allow for the completion of the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn link project.
“The project is delivering some great outcomes for jobs and local manufacturing of the beams happening right here in WA, while local businesses and the community will benefit in the long-term with improved road and rail access.
“The new bridge and the Thornlie-Cockburn Link will be a game changer for people living in Perth’s southern suburbs and will better connect our city from east to west.”
As stated by Federal Member for Tangney Sam Lim:
“Improving this essential bridge for southern Perth not only improves safety and capacity for traffic flow but also paves the way for future incorporation of the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link project.
“This project, upgrading the traffic bridge along Ranford Road, is a welcome improvement for the motorists in southern Perth proudly provided by a funding partnership from the Australian and Western Australian Governments.”
As stated by State Member for Jandakot Yaz Mubarakai:
“I am really pleased to see the new bridge completed and opened to traffic today – reducing congestion along this important road in our local community.
“This area will be a focal point in the years ahead, with the new Ranford Road Station offering more transport choices and a less than 30-minute journey into the city.
“Can I thank the community for their ongoing patience as we deliver this critical project.”
As stated by State Member for Southern River Terry Healy:
“The Thornlie-Cockburn Link is a game changer for people living in Perth’s southern suburbs and will better connect our city from east to west.
“The new Ranford Road Bridge is a critical part of the overall Thornlie-Cockburn Link project, and its completion will make a big difference to travel times and safety along this important route.”
