Macmahon Contractors win contract for the improvement to two transport routes in S-W

31/1/00
Macmahon Contractors (WA) Pty Ltd have won a $9.63 million contract to undertake a combined construction project, which will see improvements to two key transport routes in the South-West, Transport Minister Murray Criddle announced today.
The contract, which starts in February, combines the reconstruction of the Pinjarra-to-Waroona section of South Western Highway and the dualling of the Lake Clifton section of Old Coast Road.
Mr Criddle said the works contained in the project were a key component to improving the road network for commuter, tourist and freight vehicles, and form part of the State Government's commitment to meeting the growing needs of the South-West region.
"The upgrade of South Western Highway between Pinjarra and Waroona, a distance of around 23km, will include work to realign, reconstruct and widen sections of the existing highway," the Minister said.
"The work will also include improving a number of intersections, and constructing parking bays and four overtaking lanes, which will reduce driver frustration and improve traffic efficiency and road safety.
"These improvements are required to enhance the level of service for this key transport link that is used by motorists and industry to travel between the metropolitan region and the South-West."
Work on South Western Highway will begin in February and is expected to be carried out until the onset of winter, with work being completed in the summer season of 2001.
"Delivery of this contract will also see the dual carriageway on Old Coast Road extended around 6.7km north towards Lake Clifton, which will improve traffic efficiency and safety for road users," Mr Criddle said.
"Improvements to the highway will also include providing two new overtaking lanes, which will be constructed north of the proposed dualling and will complete the overtaking lane strategy between Lake Clifton and Dawesville.
"Once complete the dualling of the Lake Clifton section will provide the next link in meeting the State Government's commitment to providing a four-lane dual carriageway from Perth to Busselton."
About 6,000 vehicles per day currently use Old Coast Road to travel between Perth and Bunbury. However, this figure is expected to increase to between 23,000 and 28,000 by the year 2020.
"To meet the growing transport needs of the region, we must continue to upgrade this vital link and ensure that an efficient route is created between the two cities," Mr Criddle said.
"The development of Old Coast Road began in 1969 when the road was turned into a modern, sealed highway in recognition of the growing importance of this route.
"This importance has increased in recent years, with traffic demand now relying on the continual development of the highway.
"The upgrading program for the Perth to Busselton route will bring significant transport efficiencies to industry and commerce involved in the movement of freight between the South-West and the metropolitan area.
"A major benefit for the communities served by the route will be the improvement in public safety through the introduction of the second carriageway over most of the length, which has been shown in studies to be 60 per cent safer than multi-lane undivided roads."
Work on the Clifton section is expected to be completed by December 2000.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 9321 7333