Australia’s Watpac Civil Mining has started construction of a new bridge over the Collie River near Burekup in Western Australia, as part of the A$16.54m ($11.8m) project.

For this project, the Australian Government would provide A$8.27m ($5.9m) under the bridges renewal programme, which has been designed to strengthen the productivity of local bridges, better serve communities, and drive greater efficiency in road freight and traffic movement.

"This new bridge is a long-term investment in local infrastructure, because it will have a longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs."

Deputy prime minister and minister for infrastructure and regional development Warren Truss said: "The timber Collie River Bridge is 86 years old and is nearing the end of its life.

"The new concrete structure will be built downstream of the existing bridge and help improve safety for all road users."

Each day, the Burekup Bridge is used by an average of 6,000 vehicles, around 18% of which are heavy vehicles.

Scope of work under the contract will include construction of a modern bridge with safety barriers and a new culvert across the Collie River Floodway.

The project will also see realignment of around 1.7km of the South Western Highway in Burekup between Russell Road and Raymond Road.

Work will also involve carrying out modifications to existing intersections, including Raymond Road, Russell Road and Orchard Drive, which will particularly improve safety for Burekup residents.

Western Australian Minister for Transport Dean Nalder said: "The realignment works will improve safety for the increasing number of vehicles using the stretch and for locals accessing Burekup.

"This new bridge is a long-term investment in local infrastructure, because it will have a longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs."

The existing bridge will remain open to traffic until the new alignment is complete, which is expected to take place by mid-2016.