Member for Murray Adrian Piccoli welcomed the start of early work on the intersection of Warren Street and Murray Valley at Echuca in Victoria for the second bridge over the Murray River connecting Echuca and Moama.

“This is an exciting milestone for this vital crossing which will provide an important link for local traffic and surrounding towns,” Mr Piccoli said.

“Initial work starting today includes surveying land for the three-leg roundabout that will be constructed in Victoria as part of the project. Surveying work will also be carried out in NSW to help with future intersection work in Moama.

“Work is also set to occur along Warren Street to provide a flood free crossing into Echuca in Victoria.

“It is anticipated the bridge will take two years to build.

“The combination of $97 million from the Australian Government, $96 million from the Victorian Government and our $87 million will ensure this long-overdue second bridge will be delivered.”

Mr Piccoli said he continues to listen closely to the local residents and is proud to be part of the NSW Government who is delivering this bridge community members desperately want.

“There are over 18,500 daily users of the current bridge, 75 per cent of whom are local residents. This second bridge will cut travel times and get families home sooner,” Mr Piccoli said.

“An additional bridge means that if an incident occurs people can still commute across the NSW-Victorian border.

“The new bridge will remove the only remaining weight restriction on the Cobb Highway, opening up an additional 600 kilometres of highway to heavy vehicles.

“The new crossing will create jobs throughout the local communities while the bridge is constructed and it will improve road connections for residents and visitors alike once completed. 

“This is the crucial next step in delivering a second Murray River crossing and I look forward to working with the Australian and Victorian governments to get on with the project.”

For more information on the development of the Echuca Moama bridge crossing visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au

7 October 2016