As we head into snapper season, construction of the Station Street bridge over Patterson River is on track. Launching Way is one of the busiest places for boaties, which is why we’re working on minimising disruptions to river users and making sure there are lots of opportunities to learn about what is coming up construction-wise.
So far this year the river has only been closed once, for around three hours. We’ve planned our works to ensure there are no full river closures coming up to enable boats to have access to the river.
Our team has ensured all the launching ramps are available, and we’ll be providing traffic management support for busy weekends, like we did on Labour Day weekend in March this year.
While our site is only taking up 40 of the over 350 parks at Launching Way, please plan for the possibility of alternative parking for your vehicle after you launch your boat.
Importantly, we’ve also opened a viewing area which offers great views of the 250-tonne crane and barge, the existing rail bridge and the Carrum Rocks. Information signs detail the construction methods, and the space will host regular talks from engineers until the bridge opens to traffic.
Over the school holidays, it’s a great spot to bring the family, check out the construction and learn a little about what it takes to build a bridge. We will also be holding site briefings as construction progresses.
The Station Street bridge is part of the $588 million project which includes 4 level crossing removals, the revitalisation of Carrum Village, and a new beach promenade which will ensure a safer connection for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, making short local trips safer and easier.
The new bridge will be open by the end of 2018. It will have 2 lanes for local traffic, a dedicated bike lane and a shared walking and cycling path.
Strongly advocated for by the Carrum community, the new bridge will provide safer and more direct routes for local traffic, improve local trips between Carrum and Bonbeach, allow the closure of the dangerous level crossing at Mascot Avenue, Bonbeach and provide an important connection for the Bay Trail, located on either side of Patterson River.