MEDIA RELEASE

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,
Regional Development and Local Government

The Australian Coat of Arms

01 October 2008
AA146/2008

TENDERS CALLED FOR GREAT NORTHERN HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS

Tenders have been called for the construction of the final stage - Section 1A - of the $66.2 million federally funded upgrade of the Great Northern Highway between Lennard Street and Muchea.

This road is a critical part of the National Highway (Route 1), connecting Perth to the northern regions of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

The Lennard St to Muchea project is being delivered in four stages:

Section 1A: Lennard Street to Haddrill Road - tenders called;
Section 1B: Haddrill Road to West Swan - under construction;
Section 2: West Swan to Apple Street - under construction;
Section 3A: Apple Street to Warbrook Road - complete;
Section 3B: Stock Road to Ki-it Brook - complete; and
Section 4: Rutland Road to Regional Boundary - complete.

The existing road is too narrow to support the current and projected traffic volumes. Between now and 2031, the number of cars, trucks and buses using these sections of the Great Northern Highway is expected to jump by almost 60 per cent from 16,000 to 25,000.

Work on the 4.3 km Section 1A will involve:

  • Widening the road, comprising two 3.5m lanes (one each way) separated by typically a 3.5m median;
  • A sealed 2 metre shoulder on each side which will be of great benefit to cyclists and the movement of large truck loads;
  • Construction of an overtaking lane in both directions near Beryl Avenue - a vital element sought by local road users;
  • New turning lanes;
  • Improved street lighting and newly installed underground power and telecommunications infrastructure.

Tenders for Section 1A will close on 10 October, with construction expected to commence in January 2009.

Some preconstruction works, such as fencing and service relocations, have already commenced on the 1.8 km section between Haddrill Road and Padbury Avenue.

Construction for the section between Padbury Avenue to Lennard Street is expected to commence later this month and be completed in April 2010.

Media Contacts

Jeff Singleton ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 0410 476 890

GREAT NORTHERN HIGHWAY LENNARD STREET TO MUCHEA

Locality Plan

Great Northern Highway Improvements

 

URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2008/october/AA146_2008.htm