Joint media statement - Contractor sought for major works package in Perth's eastern suburbs

The search for a contractor to deliver a transformational, job-creating package of road upgrades for Perth's eastern suburbs has now started, with Request for Proposals launched.

The works package is one of 24 Western Australian transport projects being fast-tracked to support the WA economy and local jobs during the road out of COVID-19.

Initial scope for the package of congestion-busting projects in Perth's eastern suburbs includes:

• A new grade separated interchange at Great Eastern Highway Bypass and Roe Highway
• A new grade separated interchange at Great Eastern Highway Bypass and Abernethy Road
• New cycling connections

In addition, (subject to agreement with local governments):

• Duplication of Abernethy Road between Grogan Road and the future intersection of Adelaide Street
• Extension of Lloyd Street from Clayton Street to Lakes Road, including a new bridge over the Helena River
• Intersection upgrade at Abernethy Road and Kalamunda Road

The two grade separated interchanges will be built along Great Eastern Highway bypass - one at Roe Highway and another at Abernethy Road - will replace the current signalised intersections that are used by more than 28,000 motorists a day.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the project would bust congestion and improve safety risks for traffic across the Hazelmere and Forrestfield industrial and freight distribution centres.

"Safety is a significant factor. In the past five years, there have been 302 crashes reported in the area and we need to bring these numbers down," Mr Tudge said.

"We are investing in critical infrastructure in WA to lay the foundations for economic recovery on the other side of COVID-19 and this project forms part of that."

The works package will join other projects already construction or in procurement in Perth's eastern suburbs, including the Roe Highway-Kalamunda Road grade-separated interchange, METRONET's Bellevue Railcar Facility and Tonkin Highway interchange upgrades.

Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said procurement for the upgrades had been streamlined to boost Western Australia's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have been able to bring forward procurement 18 months earlier than originally scheduled, to support Western Australia's economic recovery from the pandemic," she said.

"Western Australia's response to managing the pandemic has been nation-leading and we are now working to ensure our economic recovery is just as strong. As part of this, Main Roads is working to bring forward a record number of road projects across Western Australia to stimulate our economy over coming months and years. 

"Along with creating hundreds of jobs and supporting local businesses, the finished product will provide critical new connections for Perth's transport network.

"Drivers from Perth's eastern suburbs and Hills would be familiar with peak hour queues at these intersections, and our package of works will vastly improve traffic flow in these areas," Ms Saffioti said.

"It will also provide major efficiencies for heavy vehicles frequenting industrial areas including Hazelmere, Perth Airport, Kewdale and Forrestfield.

Federal Member for Hasluck Ken Wyatt said the eastern part of Perth and the Hills district are one of the fastest growing areas in the city.

"I am delighted transport infrastructure projects are moving forward for the benefit of the residents of the area," Mr Wyatt said.

"These projects will assist with the growth of our local economy and I thank the Morrison Government and the McGowan Government for supporting my efforts to see these projects move forward."

Federal Member for Swan Steve Irons welcomed the announcement that a contract was being sought for the congestion busting works package in Perth's eastern suburbs.

"These works will assist people in getting home safer and sooner and will have significant positive impact on the transport hub," Mr Irons said.

"With these works being actioned quickly, we look forward to the completion of this project which will be a great benefit economically."

The project is expected to commence construction in 2021, subject to environmental and statutory approvals, and will create 1,200 jobs.

State Member for Belmont Cassie Rowe said the major works package addressed multiple bottlenecks on the road network.

"The current traffic light system has created significant safety and congestion issues over the years. Building new interchanges will drastically improve safety while improving traffic flow," Ms Rowe said.

"These projects will also complement our other major works in the eastern suburbs, including the Tonkin Gap project that will start in coming months."

The Great Eastern Highway Bypass Interchanges project is jointly-funded by the Australian ($144 million) and Western Australian ($36 million) governments. Further funding will be contributed from local governments towards the Lloyd Street extension and duplication of Abernethy Road, subject to final negotiations.

Minister's office - 6552 5500