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Matagarup Bridge reaches critical stage as arches take shape

Construction of the locally-made Matagarup Bridge has reached its most critical stage, with the first of four steel arch components being hoisted into place today.

The first arch component measures 100 metres by 25 metres and is being lifted into position by multiple cranes from the pier closest to Optus Stadium in Burswood.

This arch component is one of the two smaller arches that form the outside of the bridge. The other small arch component is currently under construction on the East Perth side of the Swan River.

Meanwhile, the two large ‘wishbone’ components that will form the central arch are now assembled and sitting on the towers beside the bridge piers, where the construction team is continuing the final fit-out of stairs and handrails.

Other specialist equipment has also now arrived on site, including mobile trailers that will be used to move the 120 metre-long wishbones off the temporary towers they are sitting on, and two large barges, which will be used to float the wishbones into position for lifting.

The three remaining arch components are scheduled to be hoisted into place in April, while installation of the decks are set to follow in May.

To create a safe lifting environment for the installation of the arches and deck, the navigation channel in the river will need to be closed, starting on Wednesday, April 4.  The closures will be in place for up to eight weeks, as announced last Sunday.

The period between the navigation channel closure and the first over river lift will be used to fit-out and load the barges on the river, which will be anchored and stabilised using a complex web of steel cables across the navigation channel.