Government approves realignment of Goldfields Eastern Bypass Road

8/8/01
The State Government has approved the realignment of the Goldfields Eastern Bypass Road, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said today.
Ms MacTiernan said the announcement fulfilled an election commitment that aimed to 'substantially extend' the life of Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines' (KCGM) Super Pit mine.
"The re-alignment of the road will allow the mine to reach its current approved limits and therefore enhance the economic prospects of the town," she said.
"About 30 per cent of Kalgoorlie-Boulder's workforce are in jobs that are directly or indirectly related to the Super Pit so this is good news for them and their families."
The alignment approved was the option recommended by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and realigns the road between Cruickshanks Oval and Forrest Street. The Government will invest $1.75 million into the project with construction of the road due to start in the first half of 2002.
The Minister also announced that, following a discussion with by local MLA John Bowler, the Government would establish an Eastern Bypass Realignment Committee. She said the committee would ensure that undertakings and commitments by KCGM were adequately carried out.
Ms MacTiernan said the new Eastern Bypass Re-Alignment Committee would provide an avenue for continued public input and a forum of ongoing issues to be considered and resolved.
The committee will be chaired by John Bowler and will include a representative from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, KCGM, Main Roads, and two community representatives.
"Four alternative options, including an alternative eastern alignment presented by a local residents' committee, were considered before a final decision was made," Ms MacTiernan said today.
"Traffic analysis has shown that about 3,000 vehicles use the existing bypass every day as a local commuter link in and around the town. It provides heavy vehicle access to the Boulder light industrial area and KCGM, as well as Bulong and Yarri Roads to the east.
"Closure of the Eastern Bypass would have forced over 3,000 vehicles a day on to other city routes such as Boulder Road, significantly increasing congestion and reducing safety."
Ms MacTiernan said that all concerns raised with her by the community and road users were carefully considered. The only practical option was to retain the Eastern Bypass.
"We particularly examined the option proposed by Councillor Doug Krepp, which would have located the realigned section of the bypass closer to the Super Pit and further away from the town," she said.
"The approved alignment was preferred because it reduced the risk of the road needing to be moved again as well as overlapping less with the Safety Exclusion Zone."
The Minister said several aspects of the approved bypass design would bring great benefits to the community including:

• the landscaping and provision of parkland between the bypass and the community;
• the improved spacing and function of intersections between the bypass and Boulder;
• a new intersection is proposed from the bypass to Burt Street, providing a more direct link and improved entry statement into the Boulder town centre;
• a new intersection at Clancy Street will improve access to the emerging industrial area, Ivanhoe Park, and help remove industrial traffic from residential areas; and
• at Johnston Street, a new intersection is proposed to service the industrial area east of the bypass that will greatly improve access and exposure to passing trade.

Major objections raised in submissions include the instability of the land due to previous mining activity on the site, potential risk, transportation of hazardous materials and noise and disturbance due to construction on nearby properties and streets.
Ms MacTiernan said these objections would be addressed at the detailed design and construction stage of the road and will include:

• thorough geophysical testing on the suitability of the land for road construction including ground probing radar tests to locate any disused mine shafts;
• compliance with Main Roads design and safety standards;
• the relocation and continuation of services and infrastructure to the community during the construction stage; and
• preparation and implementation of an Environmental Management Plan to include drainage issues, protection and rehabilitation of locally significant vegetation, noise management and dust management.

A risk assessment on vehicles carrying hazardous material on the Eastern Bypass in closer proximity to the townsite has been completed and endorsed by the Department of Environmental Protection.
Media contact: Kaye Hopkins 9213 6400