Alignment selected for northern tie-in of NW Coastal Hwy near Geraldton

20/6/95

A preferred alignment utilising disused railway reserve has been chosen for the northern tie-in of the North West Coastal Highway near Geraldton.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said the alignment ran parallel with Alexander Road over seven kilometres, veering north-west before the Cooper Street turnoff, crossing Dolby Creek and tying-in with the North West Coastal Highway near the 440 Roadhouse.

"The tie-in was necessary because of the proposed $5 million Chapman River bridge and the realignment of the North West Coastal Highway," Mr Charlton said.

Consultants Sinclair Knight Merz recommended the alignment in a report commissioned by Main Roads into the various options available and their impact on landowners, business and the environment.

The report followed considerable investigation and discussion with local authorities and interest groups.

"Clearly, of the four possible routes examined, the recommended option has the least impact," Mr Charlton said.

"The preferred route does not impact directly on any occupied home or land that is being used for agricultural purposes and involves a simple crossing of Dolby Creek, with minimal disturbance to natural vegetation and wildlife."

Mr Charlton said affected land owners had been notified of required land resumptions and compensation would be available.

Survey work on the alignment would commence soon to enable final design drawings to be prepared.

It was hoped construction of the Chapman River Road and bridge alignment could commence early in 1996.

"The project is needed on safety grounds alone, providing a wider river crossing and eliminating the dangerous dog-leg on the southern approach," Mr Charlton said.

"Already the traffic count over the Chapman River is 10,000 vehicles per day and the rate is growing."

Mr Charlton invited the public to contact Main Road's Geraldton office for more information on the project - phone:  099 561 200

Media contact:  Ian Hasleby 321 7333