$4.5 million awarded for realignment of a section of Cockburn Road at Henderson

15/11/99

Transport Minister Murray Criddle said today that a $4.5 million road construction contract had gone to Henry Walker Eltin Contracting Pty Ltd to realign a section of Cockburn Road at Henderson.
Mr Criddle said the contract would play an integral role in the Jervoise Bay Project by providing a high standard road network that would enhance long-term transport efficiencies by ultimately separating regional and industry road users.
"Primarily these works will ensure that motorists who wish to access Henderson, or use this route to travel between Fremantle and Rockingham, can continue to do so when work at Jervoise Bay begins," he said.
"This project will divert the existing Cockburn Road via Russell Road and Perimeter Road bypassing the Henderson Industrial Estate on the east side and connecting with Cockburn Road again about 3.5.km south of Russell Road.
"In the future further transport infrastructure will be provided as the Jervoise Bay Project progresses, specifically Cockburn Road will ultimately be re-routed via Russell Road and Rockingham Road through to Naval Base.
"This will allow long-term access through the area for regional motorists via the Cockburn Road realignment and industry will have Perimeter Road as its main access route to and from Jervoise Bay.
"Originally, the Cockburn Road's alignment bisected Beeliar Regional Park at the southern end of the project (Naval Base). However, after public consultation the Government opted for a route along Russell and Rockingham Roads.
"This decision will ensure that Beeliar Regional Park is preserved as a flourishing natural recreational resource."
The project will include constructing new roads and upgrading existing roads within the City of Cockburn and modifying an intersection within the Town of Kwinana.
"Work will include upgrading a section of Russell Road to accommodate growing traffic flows and constructing a sweeping link from Cockburn Road (north) to Russell Road," Mr Criddle said.
"A new road, called Perimeter Road, will provide a 3.5km bypass route along the eastern boundary of the Henderson Industrial Estate.
"Ultimately Perimeter Road will be used by traffic wishing to access industry located at Jervoise Bay and regional motorists will use the Cockburn Road alignment.
"In the short term, however, these roadworks will maintain traffic flows by diverting motorists from the existing Cockburn Road enabling construction works to start at the harbour development.
"An Environmental Management Plan has been developed and will be implemented by the contractor during construction to protect Beeliar Regional Park and other areas from the impacts associated with road construction.
"Henry Walker Eltin Contracting will also be responsible for landscaping the area as part of the project."
The roadworks, managed by Main Roads Western Australia's Urban Roads Directorate, are expected to start later this month and will continue until July 2000.
Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333