New Dawesville highway project on track, says Minister

15/3/00
Transport Minister Murray Criddle said today that work on the detailed design for the Dawesville Deviation was on schedule to meet the July commencement of initial site works.
Mr Criddle said that the highway, which would be constructed from the existing dual carriageway at Port Bouvard Bridge, south of Dawesville Channel, to just south of Tims Thicket Road, would be a major boost for the region.
"Main Roads has been working with the City of Mandurah and property developers to finalise details such as the side road connections and the exact locations of the pedestrian and cyclist underpasses," he said.
"As a result of this consultation we can confirm that two pedestrian and cyclist underpasses will be constructed as part of the deviation project to maintain east-west access for local residents and provide a connection to recreational amenities and future school sites in the area.
"The underpasses will be constructed just north of Dawesville Road West and just south of Ocean Road, which will be realigned when the deviation is constructed.
"Dual-use path connections will be provided to the underpasses to enable the existing pedestrian and cyclist movement to continue and allowance has been made in the design for additional paths associated with sub-divisions to be joined to the network as development occurs."
The Member for Dawesville, Arthur Marshall, said that the Dawesville Deviation would have significant benefits for the local community and will improve the quality of life for many residents.
"The deviation will increase traffic efficiency, level of service and safety for motorists travelling through Dawesville, and will improve access for the residential developments such as Florida and Melros that are growing on the coast," Mr Marshall said.
"The new highway will also improve motoring safety for residents that live in the area by removing the existing four way intersections which are becoming more difficult to use because of growing traffic volumes on Old Coast Road.
"The construction of the two underpasses will enable residents to maintain their recreational activities that they currently enjoy, and that have become a part of life for many of those who live in the Mandurah Peninsula.
"To ensure that all residents are aware of the Dawesville Deviation Project and kept informed throughout its construction, Main Roads will be launching a community awareness program that will include a public display and printed materials.
"This public display will give residents the opportunity to view the plans for the deviation and collect information about the project.
"I encourage all residents to visit the display which will be on exhibit throughout March and April."
The public display will be at Arthur Marshall's Electorate Office from March 13 to 31, at the Mandurah Forum Shopping Centre from April 3 to 8, and at the Mandurah Public Library from April 10 to 28.

Media contact: Doug Cunningham (08) 9321 7333.