Albany Ring Road construction to start in September after Decmil Southern chosen as preferred proponent for $175m project

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has announced that construction of the first phase of the Albany Ring Road will start in September after Decmil South was chosen as the preferred proponent. Ms Saffioti said the $175m project would support more than 1000 jobs from start to finish. The first phase of construction will be a new bridge interchange at Albany Highway and Menang Drive, and a section of the Ring Road south to Lancaster Road. Detailed designs for the second phase of the project, from Lancaster Road to Princess Royal Drive, will also take place over the next 12 months. The entire project is scheduled for completion in 2023. “Decmil Southern is a fantastic WA-based company and I'm pleased to see them named as the preferred proponent to deliver this major project,” Ms Saffioti said. “The Albany Ring Road project is expected to support more than 1,000 jobs during the life of the project, with a Local Industry Participation Plan tailored to give local businesses opportunities to get involved in the project, generating employment and building their skill base. “As with all transport infrastructure projects we will also be actively seeking opportunities for both Aboriginal employment and engagement of Aboriginal businesses.” Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the Albany Ring Road was a critical piece of infrastructure that would underpin the economic success of the Great Southern for years to come. “This project will improve connections between major freight infrastructure including airports and commercial and industrial areas, creating more economic opportunities for this crucial region,” Mr McCormack said. “The completed Albany Ring Road will link the existing major roads and highways radiating from Albany. “It will bypass urban areas and provide unimpeded road access to the Port of Albany, underpinning its future economic viability.” The Ring Road designs includes three grade-separated interchanges — at the intersections of Albany Highway and Menang Drive; Albany Ring Road and South Coast Highway; and Albany Ring Road, Hanrahan Road and Frenchman Bay Road.