More delays to Gap attractions

A multimillion-dollar overhaul of two of Albany's popular tourist attractions has been delayed until next year.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife's $5.15 million project to upgrade infrastructure at The Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park was scheduled to be finished by November 18.

A new lookout at The Gap is the centrepiece of the works.

A department spokeswoman said the contractors, BCG Construction, had faced challenges fabricating the lookout's stainless steel components and it would not be completed until "well into the new year".

"The department is working with the contractors to ensure the site can be opened as soon as possible, with the intent to open part … before the start of the peak tourist season next month," she said.

It is the latest in a series of delays.

Construction was initially slated to start in May last year, but was postponed to accommodate the Anzac centenary commemorations, with the attractions closed to the public in November 2014.

At that time, the works were scheduled to be completed by the end of June this year, but the end date was pushed back until late August or early September because of adverse weather conditions and delays in importing stainless steel from Sweden.

Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said the City was working with the department towards an opening in the new year.