Reopening of Newcastle and Beaufort Sts this Sunday

28/11/98

Construction of the Northbridge Tunnel reaches a major milestone this Sunday with the reopening of Newcastle and Beaufort Streets.

Transport Minister Murray Criddle said it signified the end of the last major road closure disruption for Northbridge.

The intersection of Newcastle and Beaufort Streets was closed for tunnel construction on June 14.

"Our aim is to get all the major roads reopened before the Christmas trading season," Mr Criddle said.

"All the surface construction works for the tunnel are now complete and some of the site will be handed over to Government soon in preparation for land sales and redevelopment.

"The tunnel work continues underground with less than 300m of excavation to be completed, with the tunnel floor having progressed from Fitzgerald Street to Beaufort Street."

Mr Criddle said the Baulderstone Clough Joint Venture expected to complete the 1.6km tunnel as a concrete structure by March or April of next year, prior to the internal fit-out of mechanical and electrical equipment.

The tunnel works and the rest of the 6.5km Graham Farmer Freeway, including a new bridge across the Swan River, were on target for opening in mid-2000.

Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333