Bunbury Port Access Road reaches major construction stage

The multi-million dollar Bunbury Port Access Road is well under way, with work on the new road from the Bunbury Inner Harbour to the outskirts of the city reaching the major construction stage.

Western Australian Transport Minister Simon O'Brien and Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese announced today that Stage 1 of the project would move to the next level, with major earthworks starting in the next few days.

"Stage 1 involves construction of a new 4.7km road between Picton and Estuary Drive that will pass under the Australind Bypass next to the Port Railway," Mr Albanese said.

 "While some clearing and pre-construction activities are already under way, major construction works between Picton and the Inner Harbour will start shortly.

"The work also includes the installation of traffic signals at the intersection of Alyxia Drive and Australind Bypass as part of a new four-way intersection to create a link to the Port Access Road from the Australind Bypass."

Mr Albanese said investing in key road transport infrastructure was critical to ensuring Australia's economic stability.

"The Australian Government is committed to key infrastructure projects in WA and partnering with the State Government to improve access to the growing Port of Bunbury is one of those key projects," Mr Albanese said.

Mr O'Brien said the works were being carried out by Macmahon Contracting as part of a $40.9million contract.

"The contract includes construction of a new bridge over the Collie River on the Old Coast Road at Eaton," Mr O'Brien said.

"The new bridge will ensure this vital and busy route between Bunbury, Eaton and Australind is sustained for the long term, particularly as the communities grow and traffic volumes increase."

The Bunbury Port Access Road is being jointly funded by the State and Federal governments and the Collie River Bridge is being funded by the State Government.

Works are due to be completed by December 2009.

Western Australian Transport Minister's office: 9213 6400

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister's office: 0410 476 890