The final three tee-roff beams have been installed on the new Ranford Road Bridge in a major milestone for Perth’s METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link Project.

The first seven beams were installed in May last year, with the final three now completing the process.

At 50 metres long and weighing 200 tonnes, the beams are some of the largest of their type built in Australia and were manufactured locally by Georgiou Group at a precast facility in Hazelmere.

The final section of bridge build is expected to be complete and fully operational next year. Following this, the freight rail underneath the bridge will be relocated several metres to the north, and the passenger rail will be laid in its place.

The new Ranford Road Bridge will be higher and longer than the original and will feature six general traffic lanes, bus lanes, and a shared path on each side.

It will cater for an estimated average annual two-way traffic flow of 45,000 vehicles a day by 2031.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the installation was a critical milestone that would not only improve traffic flow for thousands of motorists each year, but also allow for the completion of the Thornlie-Cockburn link project.

“When the new Ranford Road Bridge is complete, it will be longer and higher, feature two additional general traffic lanes and two additional bus lanes – which will significantly improve traffic flow and allow for an estimated 45,000 vehicles to traverse a day by 2031,” she said.

“The project is delivering some great outcomes for local jobs – with the manufacture 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.

“When the 17.5km Thornlie-Cockburn Link is operational, passengers using Ranford Road Station will be able to travel to Perth in about 29 minutes, and have more direct access to Optus Stadium.”