New Main Roads' office in Albany open for business

Main Roads WA has a new administration complex  in the Great Southern region.

Transport Minister Simon O'Brien today officially opened the new building, which is located at the intersection of Chester Pass Road and Kelly Street in Albany.

"This office, and the staff based in Albany, service the Great Southern region maintaining important links in Western Australia's road and transport network, as well as the State-wide responsibility for timber bridges on WA roads," Mr O'Brien said.

"The former office buildings were built in the 1960s and no longer viable in terms of economic maintenance.  Their replacement was necessary to enable Main Roads to provide a more efficient and professional service to the region."

The project which was completed on budget, was designed by Hassell Architects and built by Esperance-based company SIME Building and Construction.

"The building has been designed to achieve a 4.5 star energy rating and incorporates a host of Greenstar design initiatives, which will reduce long term operating costs and provide a more environmentally-sustainable building," the Minister said.

"Some of these include built-in natural ventilation, sun shading devices to block the northern sun, natural light via internal courtyard, window glazing, rainwater tanks, motion sensor lighting and a mixed mod ventilation system."

Mr O'Brien said that using local companies throughout the construction brought many employment benefits to the region and was a further example of the State Government's willingness to service regional communities.

"The new Main Roads Great Southern office will ensure the public have access to professional staff and efficient services in this expanding region of the State," he said.