Delay ordered in planned closure of Kwinana road

25/2/94

Transport Minister Eric Charlton has ordered the delay of a planned road closure in Kewdale next week in order to accommodate local businesses and residents.

It was planned to close a section of Daddow Road in Kewdale on Tuesday to allow major improvements to the east-west railway line to proceed.

The closure was set down for a month, but Mr Charlton said little thought had been given to the detrimental impact this would have on local business.

"In some cases, access to these premises will be denied totally because of the closure, and that is unacceptable," the Minister said.

"I have called a meeting of local residents at the site on Monday afternoon to discuss possible solutions to the problem.

"Until a suitable solution is found and implemented, the rail work and road closure will be put on hold."

Mr Charlton said Monday's meeting at the corner of Daddow and Dundas Roads would involve Westrail, Main Roads, engineers attached to the railway project and the Kalamunda Shire Council.

There would also be a representative from the Minister's office attending.

"The rail works are part of the landbridging project and are needed specifically to increase bridge clearances between Fremantle and Adelaide to allow for the double stacking of freight containers," Mr Charlton said.

"It is important work, but at the same time it should be carried out with minimal disruption to local business activity.

"It may mean alternative temporary access needs to be made available to these premises for the duration of the rail work.

"This is one of the options Monday's meeting will be able to consider."

Media contact:  Dean Roberts 321 7333