Major contract awarded for upgrading section of Albany Highway (A/Min)

22/7/97

A major contract to upgrade an eight-kilometre section of Albany Highway at Bedfordale Hill has been awarded to Henry Walker Contracting Pty Ltd.

The $13.5 million contract will upgrade the highway to a four-lane dual carriageway between Triton Crescent and the road train assembly area.

Acting Transport Minister Paul Omodei said today the project would greatly improve safety by eliminating or modifying 24 curves along the section. This would improve driver visibility and provide overtaking opportunities.

Mr Omodei said the carriageway would be separated by a six metre median strip with access openings, turning lanes and bus bays.

The Bedfordale Hill section of Albany Highway carries more than 5,000 vehicles a day, including about 300 heavy haulage vehicles which transport freight to and from the Great Southern. Traffic congestion on the section has been a major problem for some time.

Following consultation between Main Roads WA and the local community, special care will be taken during the construction stage to protect Neerigen Brook. Heritage building Willow Heights is to be preserved and moved to a nearby location.

The project, which includes a dual-use path for cyclists and pedestrians, will be built in two stages starting in November. The first stage will be completed by April, 1998 and stage two will commence in November, 1998 and be completed in April, 1999.

Media contact: Hugh Ryan 366 0200