State calls on feds for roads funding

The premier has committed $35 million towards the next two stages of the Albany Ring Road heavy haulage route, but will call on the federal government for the balance of the project’s $172 million cost.

Mark McGowan announced today the funds would be provided through Royalties for Regions for the Albany Ring Road, a heavy haulage freight route that will connect Albany Highway to the Port of Albany via the Link Road-George Street alignment.

"The Albany Ring Road will create a heavy haulage route that will allow large freight trucks to effectively bypass local traffic,” Mr McGowan said.

“The community has long-held concerns about safety, particularly near the roundabout, and the new road will improve traffic flow substantially.”

The first stage of the project was completed in 2007 at a cost of $16 million, with Main Roads Western Australia estimating the cost of developing stages two and three at about $172 million.

The state government said it would seek the balance of the funding needs from the federal government.

Mr McGowan also announced plans to upgrade parts of the South Coast Highway, with road widening and construction of passing lanes between Albany and Jerramungup to get under way soon.

"This project is vital to support the economic development of the region, export opportunities from Albany Port and the wellbeing of the community,” he said.

"Upgrading the South Coast Highway will improve a vital piece of infrastructure that supports the growing Great Southern economies and provides jobs for the people in the region.

"There are high levels of concern within the community and industry on the condition of the South Coast Highway in relation to efficiency of operations and road safety.

"The upgrades are needed if the Great Southern's regional road network is to safely accommodate increased traffic from grain, other strategic freight, tourist and inter-town traffic.”