The Western Australian Government has announced the completion of the Albany Ring Road, the biggest road infrastructure project ever undertaken in WA’s Great Southern region.
On 19 May, the final section between South Coast Highway and Hanrahan Road to Frenchman Bay Road officially opened as part of the Government’s effort to improve freight efficiency while diverting heavy vehicles around Albany.
The completed ring road has delivered a free flowing, 11-kilometre connection between the original section of Menang Drive east of Albany Highway and Princess Royal Drive, including three grade-separated interchanges at Albany Highway, South Coast Highway and Hanrahan Road.
The completed ring road is now known as Menang Drive.
WA Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said the new ring road will support the future economic growth of Albany and the Great Southern region by making truck movements to and from the Port of Albany as efficient as possible.
“The Albany Ring Road is a once-in-a-generation project for the Great Southern region, providing a free-flowing freight connection around the city and taking heavy vehicles off existing routes,” she said.
“The issue of heavy vehicles having to use local roads to access the port has long been a concern, which is why our Government made this commitment to the people of Albany and the Great Southern.
“Removing heavy vehicles from the existing local network will improve safety on Chester Pass Road, Albany Highway and South Coast Highway and enhance amenity for local residents and visitors alike.”
The project, safeguarding the long-term viability and efficiency of the Port of Albany by providing free flowing road access, will ultimately improve competitiveness of exports from the region.
“The Albany Ring Road project has been an economic boost for the local area, supporting businesses and providing pathways for local workers to access the construction industry,” said State Member for Albany, Rebecca Stephens.
“The staged opening of the project has already improved traffic flow and I look forward to experiencing a reduction in congestion and truck numbers on other major routes into Albany with the opening of the Menang Drive through route.”
Meanwhile, the State Government has committed for a new flyover at the intersection of Menang Drive and Chester Pass Road.
The new flyover will maximise the efficiency of the Albany Ring Road route by providing free-flowing access from Chester Pass Road all the way to the port.
The $225 million project is jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments, with the Australian Government contributing $173 million including an additional $33 million funded in the 2024-25 Federal Budget.
In other news, toll operator, Transurban, is reminding heavy vehicle operators and other road users to lock down their loads.
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