Contract awarded for construction of bridge over Lord Street rail tracks [Audio]

10/12/98

Perth's notorious Lord Street railway level crossing will be eliminated as a result of a $12 million contract awarded to Concrete Constructions Group Ltd.

Transport Minister Murray Criddle announced today that work would start in January to partially lower the line and construct a traffic bridge over the rail tracks.

When completed the project will provide motorists with a safer north-south transport route by eliminating the cumbersome boom gates which have caused long traffic delays for many years.

"The State Government has taken the opportunity to add the long-overdue Lord Street to the Graham Farmer Freeway project so that the community will have a modern, safe and more convenient way of moving around the East Perth area," Mr Criddle said.

He said the project would also include an underpass near Royal Street for pedestrians and cyclists.

"The Lord Street railway crossing is one of the busiest in Perth with the four mainline rail tracks crossing one of the city's primary commuter roads," he said.

"As well as creating delays for both road and rail traffic, this crossing has been the scene of numerous traffic accidents and we have been finally able to do something about it," he said.

Mr Criddle said the project had been planned by Main Roads in co-operation with Westrail and the Department of Transport with the aim of keeping both road and rail traffic running with minimum disruption.

"Some of the rail track work will be carried out at night to ensure there is minimal interruption to train services," he said.

"The few occasions when the rail lines must be closed during the day will occur at Easter or weekends and buses will be provided as a transport alternative for rail passengers."

The section of Lord Street between Newcastle Street and Royal Street will be closed for about one year with a high standard detour being provided.

"Motorists will need to allow a little more time for their journey but their patience will be rewarded in the end with a safer and better standard Lord Street," the Minister said.

Mr Criddle said the Lord Street project, due for completion early in 2000, would coincide with the final work on the Graham Farmer Freeway.

"By adding the Lord Street work to the freeway project, traffic flows in and out of the East Perth area will improve immensely and blend into the State Government's overall traffic management strategy," he said

"Lord Street is a key transport route within the city and we see its upgrade as an integral part of the Graham Farmer Freeway project which will be the catalyst for redefining vehicle movements throughout the central city area.

"Once completed, the Graham Farmer Freeway will take through-traffic away from the Perth CBD and allow planners to implement the Perth Access Plan which will change traffic flow directions, reduce traffic volumes and make the city centre a more people-friendly place," he said.

Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9 321 7333.