Albany Ring Road phase two designs focus on protecting local heritage and environmental impact

Plans to keep access open to George Street and to protect heritage-listed World War II fuel tanks have been revealed as part of the second phase of the $175 million Albany Ring Road.

Designs for the second phase of the Federal and State government project between Lancaster Road and Princess Royal Drive aim to reduce the project’s “environmental and heritage footprint” while maintaining the “free-flowing route and maximising local connectivity”.

Works are continuing on phase one after the installation of mechanically stabilised earth bridge walls on either side of Albany Highway ready to install a bridge beam in October.

Construction of phase two is expected to start at the end of the year.

The plans feature two new interchanges, including a bridge that will take South Coast Highway over the Albany Ring Road, allowing connectivity in all directions via a ramp accessing Link Road.

Full access will be reinstated between George Street and South Coast Highway, and an access ramp on the southern side of the interchange will be removed to bypass environmentally sensitive habitat.

A single bridge will link Hanrahan Road to Frenchman Bay Road, passing over the Albany Ring Road and freight rail line.

Two roundabouts will be built north and south of the interchange to provide access to the Ring Road and Lower Denmark Road.

The designs also ensure the heritage-listed World War II fuel oil storage tanks north of the alignment are not affected.

Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens said she was pleased community feedback had been taken on board for phase two.

“Maintaining full access between George Street and South Coast Highway is a big win,” she said.

“The new designs will also remove any impacts on the heritage-listed WWII fuel oil storage tanks, and I look forward to working with the project team and the City over the next year to look at how we can activate this space.”