Relief for Forrestfield residents

• Major step in removing oversize loads from Hale-Hawtin Road

The first steps have been taken to remove heavy vehicles transporting oversize loads from Hale Road and Hawtin Road in Forrestfield and Maida Vale.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell today announced that Komatsu Australia, a leading supplier of earthmoving equipment, parts and service for the mining, construction and utility markets, had struck in-principle agreement with Perth Airport and Main Roads WA for a limited trial of heavy vehicle movements on internal airport roads.

"This alternative route, to be used in off-peak airport periods, will provide much-needed respite for the residents of Forrestfield, who have endured heavy vehicles passing through Hale and Hawtin roads during the night," Mr Buswell said.

The alternative route has been the subject of discussion for several years, with the primary consideration being protecting access to the airport and ensuring there is no ongoing impact to airport users or tenants.

The Forrestfield route remains the temporary back-up route for these movements, and will be used whenever access through the airport is not possible. 

The trial of the airport route is likely to start next month and be reviewed in six months.

The Minister said another significant step to transform road infrastructure near the airport precinct was taken last Friday with the commencement of the $1billion Gateway WA project.

The first component of this massive infrastructure project is the construction of a new ramp from Abernethy Road to Tonkin Highway.  When construction is completed in about six months-time, oversize loads will use this ramp, avoiding the need to use the Hale-Hawtin route.

About 137 oversize movements occur each year using the Hale-Hawtin route.  This has been a long standing issue with not only delays caused by slow moving loads, but also continual damage to road infrastructure such as kerbs, signs and poles on what is essentially an urban residential street.

          Fact File

• In 2012-13, Liberal National Government will be providing unprecedented $162million to local government for local road projects

• In past 4 years, the Liberal National Govt has spent $4.004b on the road network. This is $636m more than under last 4 years of Labor government

Minister's office - 6552 6400