Construction of the Albany Ring Road project in Western Australia has started and is promised to create up to 1000 local jobs.
The $175 million Albany Ring Road project is the largest road infrastructure project delivered to the Great Southern Region, with its construction undertaken by Australian contractor Decmil Southern.
The project aims to improve safety by reducing the amount of heavy vehicles using other highways in the region, and will provide easy access to the Port of Albany.
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan said the project had been in the pipeline for 25 years.
“Today’s ground breaking marks the formal start of a project that has been 25 years in the making and was one of our key election commitments in the Great Southern region,” Mr McGowan said.
“The project as part of our Building for Tomorrow program, which will create lasting infrastructure for generations to come and will provide a vital economic boost of our Great Southern Region, is creating up to 1,000 jobs, with initiatives to maximise local content incorporated as part of the contract.”
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government was committed to fast-tracking regional projects to enhance the economy and create jobs.
“The Australian Government’s $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline will support our economy and create jobs, particularly for those in the construction and manufacturing industries,” he said.
The first phase of the Albany Ring Road project will involve a new interchange at Albany Highway and Menang Drive, along with construction of the Ring Road south to Lancaster Road.
Designs for the second phase will continue for the next 12 months to allow for a construction start and environmental approvals to be received.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($140 million) and the Western Australian Government ($35 million).