Albany MP calls for ring road action

Increasing numbers of trucks on local roads as a result of the booming grain industry is evidence the stalled Albany Ring Road project needs to remain a priority, according to Albany MP Peter Watson.

The proposed multi-million dollar ring road remains a work in progress after stage one was completed in 2007 at a cost of $15.9 million, with the next two stages still undecided.

The emphasis on constructing stages two and three of the ring road diminished with the demise of the plantation industry through the collapse of TimberCorp and Great Southern Plantations.

However, Mr Watson said the road remained of great importance because of the increased presence of heavy trucks on Albany roads.

“There is increased grain traffic through Albany, and pressure needs to be taken off Chester Pass Road and the Albany Highway roundabout,” he said.

The State Government says it remains committed to continuing the heavy haulage route extension from Albany Highway to the Albany Port, despite a preliminary price tag of more than $300 million after a cost estimate study.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the project was continuing as funding was allocated through the State Budget

“The current planning works build on the activities undertaken in 2008 and are focussed on developing a preliminary design for the ultimate dual-carriageway scenario, developing appropriate staging options for the delivery of the project, and a revision of the project cost estimate,” he said.

“It is anticipated that these will be complete by February 2015.”

Mr Nalder said after stage one was completed creating Menang Drive, Main Roads undertook the Alignment Definition Study for the project in 2008.

This identified the major issues and constraints around the delivery of the project and a proposed alignment for stage two (George Street and Lower Denmark Road) and three (Link Road).

The study considered the construction of 13 kilometres of new carriageway, two grade separated interchanges, 17 at-grade intersections, and the realignment of up to four kilometres of rail.

This put the cost for stages two and three at $325 million.

Mr Nalder said $1 million had been allocated — $500,000 in State funds and $500,000 Nation Building Program 1 funds — to advance project development activities.

“The ring road is a priority for Albany and I am looking forward to seeing the final design,” Mr Watson said.

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