Official opening of the Lord Street reconstruction project

21/12/99
Transport Minister Murray Criddle today officially opened the Lord Street reconstruction project which eliminates one of Perth's most notorious traffic bottlenecks.
"The completion of this project has brought major benefits for the community because the Lord Street level crossing has been a constant source of annoyance to users for many years," Mr Criddle said.
"As a result of the State Government's decision to take on this major project we now have a much safer environment for rail users, motorists and pedestrians.
"Road and rail traffic is now separated at this site eliminating the hazards of having a level railway crossing in the centre of Perth.
"This $12 million contract has included constructing a new bridge over the Perth-Armadale and Perth-Midland railway lines, lowering the railway lines by two metres between McIver and Claisebrook stations.
"Delays at the railway crossing are now a thing of the past for inner city motorists who use this road each day.
"Priority facilities have also been provided for pedestrians and cyclists with a new dual-use underpass at Lord Street near Royal Street and dual-use paths linking people to McIver railway station and other areas," he said.
Mr Criddle said that the Lord Street project would integrate with the Graham Farmer Freeway and provided inner city link via Parry Street and Newcastle Street intersections.
"The Graham Farmer Freeway is progressing well and is expected to be open in April or May 2000, about two months ahead of schedule," he said.
"Urban rail passengers will also benefit from the Lord Street project with less delays and lost time negotiating the level crossing.
"The benefits will carry through to the future when train frequencies are expected to double with the addition of the proposed South West Metropolitan Railway."

Mr Criddle commended major parties involved with the Lord Street project, including the Walter Construction Group; sub contractors; Main Roads; Transport; Westrail; the City of Perth and the East Perth Redevelopment Authority.
"The project required the suspension of rail services from time to time between McIver and Claisebrook stations and this was carried out with little disruption for the general public, as was the diversion of traffic via the Lime Street detour," he said.

Media Contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333.