Great Eastern Highway set for facelift

10/2/96

Great Eastern Highway, Perth's main gateway for visitors from the Eastern States and overseas, is set for a facelift.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said today that a $9 million roadworks project in Rivervale would pave the way for the longer term program to improve the safety and visual features of Great Eastern Highway and also established the first stage of a link to the City Northern Bypass.

The roadworks involved construction of the Great Eastern Highway intersection with Orrong Road and widening a short section of the highway to introduce a landscaped median strip.  The project included part construction of the interchange which would link the City Northern Bypass to great Eastern Highway and Orrong Road.

On the completion of the bypass in the year 2000, Orrong Road would form a southern extension of the bypass and provide an eventual link to Roe Highway. The year 2000 would also see the start of widening and landscaping Great Eastern Highway from Orrong Road to the South Guildford bypass.

Mr Charlton said Great Eastern Highway was our main artery from the Eastern States and an important tourism entry point from the domestic and international air terminals.

"The Government's Additional Funding Program for roads has allocated $36 million for widening and landscaping of Great Eastern Highway from Orrong Road to the bypass at South Guildford.  The work will start immediately after the completion of the City Northern Bypass in the year 2000," he said.

"Work starts later this year on pre-loading of the approach ramps for the new Burswood Bridge which forms part of the City Northern Bypass. The bridge will relieve traffic congestion on the Causeway, which in turn will provide the opportunity for bus priority measures in the central city."

Mr Charlton said progressive upgrading of Orrong Road by local authorities over the past few years had improved safety and transport efficiency.  Construction of the new intersection with Great Eastern Highway (which starts in April for completion early next year), will further improve safety by taking the major traffic flow away from local residential streets.

"It all adds up to a better metropolitan transport system both for road users and public transport - and safer local roads for residents and pedestrians," he said.

Media contact:  Ian Hasleby 321 7333 or 222 9595