Construction begins on the Mt Barker Northern Bypass

2/3/07
Work is under way on a new 4.2km road north of Mt Barker to remove heavy vehicle traffic from the townsite.
The $8.7million contract was officially launched at a ceremony on site today, with South-West MLC Matt Benson turning the first soil to signal the start of construction.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the new bypass would provide a more direct and efficient connection of Muirs Highway to Albany Highway, particularly for heavy vehicles.
"Albany Highway was realigned to the eastern side of the railway line south of Mt Barker a number of years ago but this created a gap between Muirs Highway and Albany Highway, which forced connecting traffic to use local roads in the town centre," Ms MacTiernan said.
"This project will ease the pressure on those local roads associated with increased haulage from timber plantations west of Mt Barker."
Mr Benson welcomed the project, saying it would provide an opportunity to create an enhanced entry statement for Mt Barker.
"The project will also see 0.85km of Albany Highway widened and a roundabout constructed at the bypass junction with Albany Highway and Woogenellup Road," he said.
The works contract will bring the total planned expenditure on upgrading Muirs Highway in 2006-07 and 2007-08 to more than $20million, including $5.5million for the Nyamup to Strachan section and $8million for the Mt Barker Northern Bypass to Rocky Gully section.
The contract duration is 52 weeks and works are expected to be completed by March 2008. Construction of the project will be undertaken in two stages, with a temporary suspension of works over the winter period.
Through consultation with the Shire of Plantagenet and the Mt Barker Senior High School, Main Roads will ensure that the construction of the roundabout at the Albany Highway/ Woogenellup Road intersection is completed by the start of the 2008 school year.
Minister's office - 9213 6400