Construction of new Albany Ring Road flyover to begin soon

Construction will commence this month on a new flyover at the intersection of Menang Drive and Chester Pass Road in Albany, Western Australia. 

Highway Construction Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver this $60 million project, which is the final element to complete the Albany Ring Road project. 

The first phase of construction will include earthworks for the embankments of the new flyover on each side of Chester Pass Road. Most of the work will take place away from the road to minimise the impact on public traffic. 

“Delivering the Albany Ring Road has been a game-changer for the Great Southern region, streamlining access to the Albany Port and improving safety for local road users. 

“In its first 18 months of operation, the project has taken about 2,000 vehicles per day out of the centre of Albany, including 800 trucks. 

“As Albany’s population continues to rise and visitor numbers grow, a safe, streamlined and reliable heavy vehicle corridor is essential to service the region. 

“This project will complete the Albany Ring Road, generating local jobs in the short-term and supporting the future growth of the region’s economy,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

“This flyover is a major road safety upgrade for Albany, separating heavy vehicles from local traffic, making travel significantly safer for families, freight operators and all drivers who use the Ring Road. 

“This $60 million project is a strong investment in local jobs and quality infrastructure, supporting the Great Southern economy while delivering long-term benefits for the community. 

“Completing the final link of the Ring Road will transform how traffic moves around the city, providing a non-stop connection to the Port and making Albany an even better place to live and work,” Road Safety and Great Southern Minister Reece Whitby said. 

The new grade separated interchange will enable southbound vehicles to exit Chester Pass Road via an elevated ramp, passing back over the top of Chester Pass Road via a bridge and connecting into Menang Drive westbound. 

Once completed, the new flyover will improve efficiency along the Albany Ring Road corridor by providing heavy vehicles with a non-stop connection from Chester Pass Road to the Port of Albany. Moreover, it will improve safety and efficiency along this critical freight route by removing the need for trucks to queue in the turning lane before making a right turn across oncoming northbound traffic. 

This project is part of the Western Australian Government’s commitment to generate local jobs as well as delivering quality infrastructure across the State. 

“Albany is the Great Southern region’s major industrial, commercial and retail centre, and is connected to the surrounding region by heavily utilised freight routes destined for the Albany Port. 

“The Cook Government is delivering these important upgrades that will improve heavy vehicle flow to the ort, enhance safety for road users and promote further investment in the Great Southern region,” Regional Development and Ports Minister Stephen Dawson said. 

“The Cook Government is committed to delivering the quality infrastructure our regional centres need to thrive. 

“The Albany Ring Road is already taking thousands of heavy vehicles out of the centre of Albany each week, reducing congestion and improving safety for local road users. 

“Construction of the flyover will further enhance the benefits of the Albany Ring Road delivering the final connection in this once-in-a-generation project for the Great Southern,” Samantha Rowe MLC said. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Main Roads Western Australia