The first sod has been turned on the $118 million High Street and Stirling Highway intersection upgrade in Fremantle, signalling the beginning of major construction on the congestion busting project.
The project will include safety upgrades on a 1.5-kilometre section of High Street between Carrington Street and Stirling Highway.
“The start of the High Street upgrade will complement the huge array of projects that are part of our job-creating transport plan for WA, including METRONET.
“The High Street upgrade will deliver a more efficient route for locals and visitors travelling to and from Fremantle,” Premier Mark McGowan said.
Construction and design of the multi-million dollar project is being undertaken by Georgiou Group.
Georgiou Chief Executive Officer Rob Monaci said: “To assist in the delivery of this project, we will utilise our in-house precast expertise and plant department, providing innovative design and construction solutions through all stages of the project.”
Construction is expected to create about 700 jobs and works for this project will include:
“Thanks to positive community consultation, we have also expanded the project scope to include two new pedestrian underpasses and improved parking and safety at Fremantle Netball Centre.
“We will continue to alleviate pressure on roads by boosting freight on rail from 15 per cent to over 20 per cent, developing intermodals, and planning for the new Fremantle traffic and rail corridor to replace the current Fremantle Traffic Bridge,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
The new roundabouts included in this project was designed to include bypass lanes to separate local traffic from going to and coming from Fremantle Port or from other locations north of the river. These changes will help improve efficiency as well as address safety concerns with the current intersection.
For residents living on the northern side of High Street, a single-lane services road is going to be provided which will give locals safer access and separation from the main road.
“We also know that this intersection has become notorious for truck rollovers and the upgrade will mean a safer journey for locals and truck drivers.
“The Australian Government promised to get the people of Perth home sooner and safer, and that’s what we will deliver,” Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said.
On the other hand, the new underpasses will help improve cyclist and pedestrian connectivity at the intersection. It will also deliver new formal parking bays adjacent the Fremantle Netball Association which will improve safety on game days.
In addition, about 70 per cent of the established trees in the area will be retained and through careful consideration, the project design will include a wide, tree-lined median on High Street that will separate the eastbound and westbound traffic lanes to provide an attractive gateway into Fremantle.
An extensive landscaping and revegetation strategy is being finalised by Main Roads and it will cover revegetation and landscaping of the road reserve to help improve local amenity along the project route. A tuart tree planting initiative on local sites will also be included in the strategy.
The High Street Upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, with each contributing $73.6 million and $44.4 million respectively.
Watch this space for the latest industry news and project updates by subscribing to Felix Project News today.
Source: Georgiou Group; Minister for population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure; Main Roads WA; Government of Western Australia