$62 million Roe Highway extension contract

13/5/01

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today awarded a $62 million contract to Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd for the building of the Roe Highway extension between Welshpool Road and Nicholson Road.
Ms MacTiernan said the awarding of this contract would mean that the long-suffering residents of William Street, Beckenham, could see that relief was in sight at last.
"Main Roads Western Australia and Leighton Contractors have been negotiating for the past month to finalise the contract's details and ensure its completion to Kenwick Link and Nicholson Road as soon as possible," she said.
"Main Roads has expedited complex and time consuming pre-contract work to fast track this important infrastructure project and Leighton Contractors will now proceed with planning and design work before starting construction on-site."
Ms MacTiernan said the contract would achieve the State Government's commitment to have the work complete to the Kenwick Link in December 2002 and to Nicholson Road by late 2003.
She said Leighton Contractors had nominated July as the start of construction activity with earth fill being delivered and laid at the Canning River bridge site.
"Leighton Contractors has been chosen, from a short-listed field of three contracting organisations, for the company's capacity to deliver high-quality works and for its demonstrated commitment to provide significant benefits to all stakeholders during construction," the Minister said.
"The project will deliver the residents of Beckenham, Lynwood and Langford long-awaited relief as traffic pressure is taken off local roads."

Ms MacTiernan said project features included excellent off-road pedestrian and cyclist facilities, as well as an innovative landscaping and public artwork theme that would form a visual masterpiece encompassing the historic and modern day significance of the areas.
She said that when the first stage of the project reached the Kenwick Link, residents on William Street could expect immediate relief from the traffic volumes they currently experienced.
The project will entail constructing a freeway style four-lane highway with direct traffic access provided at Orrong/Welshpool Road, the Kenwick Link and Nicholson Road.
Other roads will be carried over the highway, but will not provide a direct connection. These include Brixton Street, Albany Highway and Spencer Road.
The Member for Roleystone, Martin Whitely, said this project would deliver major benefits to local residents and business people.
He said these benefits would include enhanced access, reduced traffic on local roads and shorter travel times.
Media contact: Kaye Hopkins 9213 6400