- $5.342 million contract awarded to Downer Group for major safety improvements
- Construction to generate employment for up to 40 people
Federal Minister for Infrastructure Darren Chester and Western Australian Transport Minister Bill Marmion today announced the start of work on a major safety upgrade for Great Eastern Highway in Mundaring.
"As the result of a competitive tender process, Downer Group has been awarded a $5.342 million contract to upgrade 2km of highway between Kintore Road and Mann Street," Mr Chester said.
"The Liberal and National Commonwealth and State governments are jointly funding the project, with the Australian Government providing $9.6 million towards the $12 million project.
"These works will significantly improve safety on this busy section of the highway, which is the primary east-west freight route for WA and the key route for travel between the Goldfields, Perth and the South-West region."
Mr Marmion said work was expected to commence in late January and be completed by mid-2017.
"This project is expected to provide employment for up to 40 people at its peak," Mr Marmion said.
"We will be delivering a host of safety improvements such as sealed shoulders, intersections with turning pockets, improved street lighting, sealed bus bays, paths, traffic barriers in the verge and median, and new road markings, signs and guide posts.
"Western Power has already completed a program to replace overhead power lines with an underground service along this section of the highway.
"While this section is being completed, Main Roads Western Australia will complete planning for the adjoining 5.2km section between Kintore Road to Bilgoman Road in Glen Forrest."
Federal Member for Hasluck, Ken Wyatt welcomed this infrastructure upgrade.
"The East Metro region is a growth area and is the gateway to Perth from the East, and is particularly important for the Shire of Mundaring," Mr Wyatt said.
Great Eastern Highway between Glen Forest and Mundaring was built in the 1950s and upgraded to a dual carriageway in the 1970s. This section of the highway is used by 25,000 vehicles per day.
WA Transport Minister's office - 6552 6800
