Graham Farmer Freeway expected to open to traffic next April or May

23/9/99

The Graham Farmer Freeway is about two months ahead of schedule and expected to open to traffic next April or May, Transport Minister Murray Criddle said today.
Mr Criddle was inspecting the Burswood Bridge which this week saw the launch of the last of the 19 segments which form the bridge structure.
"The Northbridge Tunnel has gained all the attention but the key feature of the Graham Farmer Freeway is this new bridge across the Swan River," he said.
The Minister said the six-lane bridge would carry 84,000 vehicles a day when open next year and relieve pressure on the other river crossings, particularly the Causeway.
"We will take a third of the traffic off the Causeway, allowing the introduction of bus lanes on this important commuter route, as I announced earlier this month," he said.
Mr Criddle congratulated the Transfield Thiess Joint Venture as contractors for stage two of the Graham Farmer Freeway. Earthworks for the 403m bridge began in December 1997 and piling began in March last year.
The incremental launch sequence began in September last year. A total of 19 launches have been completed in 12 months. Each segment is 23 metres long and is launched at seven to eight metres per hour.
Mr Criddle said the $374 million Graham Farmer Freeway was an important regional road link between the eastern and western suburbs that would remove a great deal of through traffic from Riverside Drive and the centre of Perth.
"This is allowing for the city access plan to be developed, which will see improved public transport options in and out of the city and a more pedestrian and cyclist friendly inner city environment," he said.
"The fact that the project is running ahead of schedule by two months is a credit to Main Roads as managers and the two joint venturers, Boulderstone-Clough and Transfield-Thiess."
Media contact: Doug Cunningham 932 17333