FRESH from the completion of the state’s largest road project last September, the $705 million Perth-Bunbury Highway, the state government is in the early stages of planning another major road project with a similar cost.
Premier Colin Barnett has named an upgrade of the roads around Perth airport as a top infrastructure priority.
A consultancy is currently out to tender to develop a master plan and detailed business case for the Gateway WA-Perth Airport and Freight Access project, which includes major upgrades to Tonkin Highway.
Last November, when Mr Barnett announced he was seeking Commonwealth funding, he said it would cost an estimated $600 million, though that is likely to change as detailed work is undertaken.
The gateway project proposes to upgrade a number of arterial roads surrounding the airport precinct, as well as building a public road connecting the domestic and international terminals.
Under the initiative, Tonkin Highway would be upgraded to a six-lane capacity between Roe Highway and Great Eastern Highway.
The gateway project will not only focus on improving visitors’ first impression of Perth by improving the roads, it also intends to increase the efficiency of freight handling in the area.
The Perth-Bunbury Highway typically cuts 30 minutes off the trip from Perth to Bunbury.
The Southern Gateway Alliance (consisting of Main Roads, Leighton Contractors, consultancy firm GHD, and Perth-based WA Limestone) was contracted to complete the $705 million project.
WA Limestone has been involved in a number of Main Roads projects.
The 30-year-old family owned company was contracted to the Reid Highway extension and the Mandurah entrance road.
The state government currently has a number of smaller road projects under way, including a project to increase pedestrian beach access along West Coast Highway, upgrades to Perth’s iconic Horseshoe Bridge set for completion in April, and an upgrade to Bussell Highway between Vasse and Margaret River.
