Roe Highway roll-out accelerates

21/1/03
The Gallop Government's accelerated construction of a freight transport network linking industries in Perth's eastern and southern suburbs, today sees Roe Highway Stage Five opened to traffic and work begin on Stage Six.
Roe Highway Stage Four was opened to traffic in December last year.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan officially opened the four-kilometre section from the Kenwick Link to Nicholson Road, 10 months ahead of schedule, and turned the first sod for the 4.5km Stage Six, which will reach South Street.
"Roe Highway Stage Five completes a 26km fast efficient freight route between Midland through to Nicholson Road at Canning Vale linking important industrial areas with major transport routes to the east and north," Ms MacTiernan said.
"Stage Six continues the highway's progress towards the Kwinana Freeway, which will provide improved freight access to industrial sites in the south-west metropolitan area and the outer harbour.
"This link is an important part of the State Government's six-part strategy to improve freight transport through Perth's southern suburbs.
"Roe Highway users will benefit from savings through reductions in fuel consumption, and reduced transport costs.
"Community benefits include lower vehicle emissions, improved traffic flows, decreased congestion and removing many heavy vehicles from suburban streets.
"Pedestrians and cyclists also enjoy better, safer shared use paths which are built as part of the highway project."
Stages Four and Five of Roe Highway cover eight kilometres between Welshpool Road and Nicholson Road, and gives road users a four-lane freeway style highway, offering an uninterrupted journey and access at Orrong/Welshpool Road, the Kenwick Link and Nicholson Road.
A community relations process helped develop extensive revegetation along the highway and public artworks inspired by the area's Aboriginal and European history.
These include metal sculptures depicting tortoises, a frog and dragon fly silhouette, white heron, eagle, echidna and bobtail being installed along the shared-use paths, complemented by two murals nearly 60m in length being installed along the highway side of the six panels closest to Woodlupine Brook and near Langford sports ground for the enjoyment of all road users.
Some landscaping and minor works will be completed over the next few months.
Stages Four and Five of the Roe Highway extension project were built under a contract awarded to Leighton Contractors valued at $62million, made up of Federal and State funds.
The Transfield MacMahon joint venture has been awarded a $28.7million contract to design and construct Roe Highway between Nicholson Road and South Street, which is expected to be completed by mid-2004.
Stage Seven is due to commence in 2004 and will complete the link between Midland and the Kwinana Freeway.
Minister's office: 9213 6400