Ring Road project completes first phase of construction
Phase one of the Albany Ring Road project in Western Australia is now complete, with construction of the first grade-separated interchange in the Great Southern region finished.
The interchange is at Menang Drive and Albany Highway, with the road ramps and bridge now open.
This project is part of the first phase of the $175 million Albany Ring Road project, which once complete will establish an 11km, free-flowing connection between the Albany Highway and Princess Royal Drive.
It will improve freight efficiency and reduce congestion on existing routes, assisting industry to grow and support more jobs.
Western Australian Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said the completion of phase one of the Albany Ring Road is a positive step, which will see improved traffic flow and safety at the intersection of Menang Drive and Albany Highway.
“The Albany Ring Road is going to take heavy vehicles away from the town centre and out of residential areas, providing a greater opportunity for local businesses and improving commute times within the city,” Ms Saffioti said.
“This project is about providing certainty for Albany port users, local businesses and the community by creating opportunities for growth.”
Construction of two further interchanges along the Albany Ring Road alignment, at the South Coast Highway and Frenchman Bay Road, commenced earlier this year.
Member for Albany, Rebecca Stephens, said, “It is exciting to see as the local member, the road really taking shape, supporting jobs and opportunities for local businesses.
“This is a significant investment into our community that is going to support keeping our regional economy growing.”
As part of the opening of the interchange at Menang Drive and Albany Highway, temporary traffic signals that have been in place to support traffic flow during construction will be removed.
During the coming months, a comprehensive revegetation and landscaping program will commence, with 15 hectares of feature planting, basin mixes and road reserve planting added to the area around the interchange.