17/2/98
Transport Minister Eric Charlton said today that work would begin quickly on two key road projects in the Goldfields and Mid-West.
Mr Charlton said upgrading of 85kms of the Goldfields Highway between Mt Keith and Wiluna was scheduled to commence in January next year following final approval for a $15 million Commonwealth allocation provided under the Roads of National Importance (RANI) scheme.
The Minister said the State Government had already committed $26 million to the project which would see the completion of an all-weather widened and sealed road from Kalgoorlie to Wiluna.
"The entire Mt Keith-Wiluna project is due to be completed in December 2000, however sections will be opened progressively to traffic as they are completed," Mr Charlton said.
"The mining industry in particular will benefit through reduced transport costs and better efficiency, both in the delivery of fuel and supplies and the transport of product."
Reconstruction would be completed by October this year and the final seal applied in November next year.
Mr Charlton said reconstruction of 42kms of the Karalundi section of Great Northern Highway, north of Meekatharra, would also begin soon following confirmation today of $11 million in Federal funding.
He said works would commence in May on constructing a two-lane sealed road.
The Minister said improvements to the Great Northern Highway would make the flood prone Karalundi section more reliable and safer.
"During the wet, this section is often cut by flood waters, hampering the flow of goods to the North-West," he said.
"In allocating funds for this project, the Federal Government has also recognised the importance of developing a continuous two-lane sealed road between Perth and the Northern Territory."
Mr Charlton also welcomed details from Federal Transport Minister Mark Vail that planning was nearing completion for the Northam Bypass on Great Eastern Highway and for the realignment of the Swan Valley section of the Great Northern Highway between Midland and Bindoon.
Media contact: Nicole Trigwell (08) 9321 7333
