Mid West MLA Grant Woodhams has obtained a guarantee from the Western Australian Government that it will re-open the Mountain Bridge on the Midlands Road to all traffic.
Replying to questions asked by Mr Woodhams in Parliament, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, Alannah MacTiernan said that Main Roads was installing a temporary structure at the Mountain Bridge that would allow all traffic to use the bridge.
Mr Woodhams said it was constant pressure from local communities who had lobbied himself, Main Roads, local governments and TransWA that had forced the WA Government to take action.
“When I made inquiries with Main Roads, they were unsure as to when they’d be able to fix the bridge. However I’m sure they were aware that there were a lot of people were tremendously inconvenienced by the bridge closure,” he said.
Mr Woodhams said there were still some challenges ahead before the bridge was permanently rebuilt.
“The Government still hasn’t resolved the Indigenous and heritage issues that are needed before reconstruction. The Minister was unable to give any indication as to when building could commence,” he said.
One of the major issues facing the State Government and the Main Roads Department is that the road will continue to be a major transport route and link in the Mid West.
“The Mountain Bridge is one of the most important transport structures in the region and the number of large vehicles using the bridge has increased dramatically in the past couple of years, particularly with the iron ore industry,” Mr Woodhams said.
He said more planning was needed across the Mid West, the Midlands, the Wheatbelt and the coastal area between Perth and Kalbarri to meet the growing transport needs of the communities in this region.
“This government is moving very slowly on transport issues. I drive the Brand Highway and Midlands Road at least two or three times a week. It is not uncommon to see more than one hundred trucks between Dongara and Gingin on the Brand,” Mr Woodhams said.
“Add to that increased pressure and traffic on the Midlands Road and it is absolutely essential for the Government to improve our roads to provide a safer travelling environment for all vehicles.”