Progress on Northbridge Tunnel inspected on first public open day

1/3/98

Premier Richard Court today inspected progress on the Northbridge Tunnel along with Graham 'Polly' Farmer and hundreds of visitors who took advantage of the first public open day on the tunnel section of the $350 million Graham Farmer Freeway project.

About 1,500 members of the public have booked guided tours today and tomorrow to walk 200m underneath Northbridge and learn about innovative construction techniques employed on the State's first road tunnel.

Construction work on the 1.6km tunnel began in September 1996 and the 6.5 km Graham Farmer Freeway is scheduled to open to traffic in mid-2000.

"A lot is happening between now and then," the Premier said.

"The new bridge across the Swan River will start to take shape in the second half of this year. The bridge is the key element of the Graham Farmer Freeway which will link the Mitchell Freeway in the west to Great Eastern Highway and Orrong Road in the east.

"About this time next year, we should be able to walk through the tunnel from one end to the other, from Fitzgerald Street to Lord Street. The rest of the work will be internal fit-outs and high-tech equipment to make it safe for motorists under both normal operating conditions and in the event of any emergency.

"Main Roads will also start work this year on widening Loftus Street and on removal of the railway level crossing on Lord Street, both of which have been congestion points and safety hazards."

Mr Court said the Graham Farmer Freeway would result in reduced congestion in the city area - allowing improved public transport and better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists under the associated Access to the City for People program.

The new freeway will enable through-traffic to bypass the city which will:

·      reduce traffic on Riverside Drive from about 68,000 vehicles a day to 50,000;

·      reduce Causeway traffic by one third, facilitating the provision of bus lanes; and -

·      reduce traffic on Wellington Street and St George's and Adelaide Terraces.

"Another major benefit of the tunnel will be the urban renewal of Northbridge, which will start as sections of the tunnel are finished," Mr Court said.

"This is all part of the Government's vision to deliver a City for People - a clean, dynamic and vibrant city which will be an attractive place to work, live and relax in."

The Premier presented certificates of participation to members of the public who were on the tunnel tours. His visit also marked the opening of the Tunnel Lookout which will provide a viewing platform near the tunnel's western portal to be used by people wishing to view construction activity.

Pedestrian entry to the Tunnel Lookout is from Fitzgerald Street near Newcastle Street and it will be open seven days a week during daylight hours.

People want more information about the Graham Farmer Freeway Project can call the hotline on 1800 655 586.

Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman (08) 9222 9475