Launch of Fremantle Eastern Bypass Summary Report

17/9/97

Transport Minister Eric Charlton today reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to building the Fremantle Eastern Bypass, saying the road was the best solution for the Fremantle region's growing road transport problems.

The Minister was commenting at the launch today of The Fremantle Eastern Bypass Summary Report prepared by Main Roads.

The report was prepared following a community group's request for a report to outline the reasons for the bypass. The document will be supported by a series of information sessions for residents and interested groups.

The report draws on more than 30 years of State and local government reports and studies which have examined the need for the bypass and its benefits.

"The summary report includes the most up-to-date traffic analysis and forecasts for the Fremantle region, the impacts and benefits of the road on the local community and likely costs to road users and the State if the road is not built," Mr Charlton said.

"The bottom line is that without a purpose-built regional road, Fremantle streets will become choked with traffic," he said.

"Residents need to consider benefits to stem from of this project, rather than search for adverse impact. They should look to the significant reduction in overall traffic on their highways and suburban streets and consider the adverse ramifications for the community if the project is not built."

The Minister said tens of thousands of vehicles each day used local Fremantle streets to pass through the region. They did not stop in Fremantle and but their sheer volume caused congestion and accidents.

"Fremantle is an important tourism, cultural, historical and business centre which, in the future, will become seriously compromised if we do not move now to solve these traffic problems," he said.

"Fremantle is also home to many residents who are finding it more difficult to move about their neighbourhoods."

Mr Charlton said the bypass would go a long way towards solving Fremantle¹s growing road transport problems.

"The bypass will take passing traffic, tens of thousands of vehicles and hundreds of semi-trailers and trucks off existing Fremantle streets," he said.

"This through traffic will have a purpose built road to travel on and Fremantle¹s residents will have their local streets back."

Mr Charlton said the report predicted that the bypass would:

·      reduce the rate and incidence of traffic crashes in Fremantle by up to 50 per cent;

·      reduce vehicle operating costs by $21 million over the next 30 years;

·      save $106 million in lost business and commercial travel time over the next 30 years;

·      reduce existing and future traffic congestion on Fremantle roads; and -

·      help reduce traffic emission in Fremantle.

Mr Charlton said the Fremantle Eastern Bypass provided the best transport solution to manage the growth in the rapidly expanding industrial, residential and commercial areas south of the port city.

"Over 80 per cent of the State¹s imports and 60 per cent of exports use Fremantle Port," he said.

"Use of the port is expected to increase ensuring efficient and safe road freight routes will be essential to manage and capitalise on this growth."

Mr Charlton said the Fremantle Eastern Bypass was an important part of the State Government's transport planning for the metropolitan region and the State.

Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333