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Search for a contractor to build WA major road project begins

Written by Monica Gameng | Jul 8, 2020 2:00:00 PM

The Request for Proposals phase of Western Australia’s Great Eastern Highway Bypass Interchanges project has been launched and the search for a contractor to deliver the project is now underway. 

The Great Eastern Highway Bypass Interchanges project is one of the 24 projects being fast-tracked towards construction to support the local economy and jobs as Western Australia begins recovering from COVID-19. 

“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. 

“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,” Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said. 

This congestion-busting project in Perth’s eastern suburbs will initially include: 

  • 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 

The two new grade separated interchanges will be replacing the current signalised intersection used by approximately 28,000 motorists daily. 

Subject to agreements with local governments, the project could also include: 

  • 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 

In addition to busting congestion on the Great Eastern Highway Bypass, this project will also improve road safety along the Hazelmere and Forrestfield industrial and freight distribution centres. 

Source: Main Roads WA

According to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti, the procurement process for this project has been streamlined to help boost the State’s economic recovery from the recent coronavirus pandemic. 

We have been able to bring forward procurement 18 month earlier that originally scheduled, to support Western Australia’s economic recovery from the pandemic. 

“Along with creating hundreds of jobs and supporting local businesses, the finished product will provide critical new connections for Perth’s transport network,” Minister Saffioti said. 

Construction on this project is anticipated to commence in 2021, subject to environmental and statutory approvals. 

Approximately 1,200 jobs are expected to be created through the life of the project. 

Once works are completed, motorists will be able to experience improved traffic flow as well as efficiency for heavy vehicles travelling to industrial areas such as in Hazelmere, Perth Airport, Kewdale and Forrestfield. 

The Great Eastern Highway Bypass Interchanges proejct is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, each contributing $144 million and $36 million respectively. 

Local governments will be contributing additional funding for the Lloyds Street extension and duplication of Abernethy Road – which is subject to final negotiations. 

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Source: Government of Western Australia; Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure; Main Roads WA