Road works for the $175 million Albany Ring Road in Western Australia are scheduled to commence in September, with the promise of hundreds of local jobs.
The Albany Ring Road will improve the movement of heavy vehicles across the Great Southern Region, providing an 11.5km freight route around the City of Albany. It has been designed to implement a freight route for the transport of goods to the Port of Albany.
With construction pitched to start in September, completion is expected in 2023. Western Australian company Decmil Southern will deliver the project.
“We have invested an unprecedented amount into regional roads and I’m pleased to see that this project will commence construction within months,” Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
“Decmil Southern is a fantastic WA-based company and I’m pleased to see them named as the preferred proponent to deliver this major project.
“The Albany Ring Road project is expected to support more than 1000 jobs during the life of the project, with a Local Industry Participation Plan tailored to give local businesses opportunities to get involved in the project, generating employment and building their skill base.
“As with all transport infrastructure projects we will also be actively seeking opportunities for both Aboriginal employment and engagement of Aboriginal businesses.”
Deputy Prime Minister and the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project is a piece of infrastructure that is set to enhance the Great Southern Region’s economy.
“The Australian Government has contributed $140 million to this project, which will improve safety for everyone travelling through the region, including tourists and freight drivers,” he said.
Improved safety, access
The project is expected to improve safety by reducing the number of heavy vehicles on other highways in the region, while also allowing for easier access to the Port of Albany for heavy vehicles.
“The completed Albany Ring Road will link the existing major roads and highways radiating from Albany,” McCormack said.
“It will bypass urban areas and provide unimpeded road access to the Port of Albany, underpinning its future economic viability.
“The first phase of the connection to get underway will be the new interchange at Albany Highway and Menang Drive, as well as construction of the section of the Ring Road south to Lancaster Road.
“Detailed designs for the second phase of the project, from Lancaster Road to Princess Royal Drive, will also take place over the next 12 months, enabling construction to begin subject to environmental approvals being received.”
In 2007, the first section of the Albany Ring Road (Chester Pass Road to Albany Highway along Menang Drive) was completed. Since then, both the Commonwealth and State Governments have supplied necessary funding for the design and construction of what remains for the project.
“This is yet another example of the Australian Government continuing to roll out our $100 billion nationwide infrastructure pipeline, of which over half is earmarked for regional projects, supporting jobs and communities at a time when it’s needed the most,” McCormack said.