Transport Minister Troy Buswell has awarded a $42 million contract for the duplication of a section of Dampier Highway to the Highway Works Albem joint venture.
Transport Minister Troy Buswell has awarded a $42 million contract for the duplication of a section of Dampier Highway to the Highway Works Albem joint venture.
Transport Minister Troy Buswell has awarded a $42 million contract for the duplication of a section of Dampier Highway to the Highway Works Albem joint venture.
Mr Buswell said safety for Dampier and Karattha road users would be improved with the duplication of a 7.2 kilometre section of the highway between Balmoral Road West and the Karratha airport turnoff at Bayly Avenue.
"Construction on this important project will begin in March 2011 and I expect it to be completed by September 2012," Mr Buswell said.
"Currently, between nine and 12,000 vehicles per day use the Dampier Highway and this level of traffic will increase as activities continue to expand in the Burrup.
"This project will greatly enhance safety for these vehicles as well as reduce travel times for commuters.
"The project includes provision of cycle lanes and safer turning layouts at six major intersections and four minor intersections and two sets of traffic signals will be installed - at Madigan Road and the Gap Ridge Estate intersections.
"A new bridge will be built across Seven Mile Creek parallel to the existing bridge, which will be strengthened and the guard rail modified.
"Cyclists will be catered for with two metre-wide sealed shoulders installed in both directions of the highway and audible edge lines separating the outer carriageway from cyclists."
The state and federal governments have committed $100 million to the ongoing redevelopment of the Dampier Highway.
Mr Buswell said the latest contract also included an optional works package for upgrading the next section from the Airport turn-off to Burrup Road, which is subject to Federal environmental approvals
The first stage of works, from Balmoral Road East to Balmoral Road West was completed by Main Roads WA in 2009.