A joint venture between WBHO Infrastructure and SRG has won a $22.8 million contract to build new road infrastructure that will allow traffic to bypass the Margaret River town centre.
A joint venture between WBHO Infrastructure and SRG has won a $22.8 million contract to build new road infrastructure that will allow traffic to bypass the Margaret River town centre.
The 50:50 joint venture has been contracted to build the second stage of the Perimeter Road project, which involves construction of a further 5.2 kilometres of the road plus a new 2.3km section of John Archibald Drive to complete a connection between Perimeter Road and the town.
A near-100 metre, three-span bridge will also be built over the Margaret River while a pedestrian bridge will be built on the Darch trail.
WBHO will be responsible for the road work while SRG will carry out the bridge works.
Work under the contract is expected to begin next month, with completion due late next year.
The first stage of the project, a 1.8km section from Bussell Highway to just south of Rosa Brook Road, was completed in 2015 at a cost of $4.7 million.
When completed, Perimeter Road will allow inter-regional traffic to travel north or south in the area without congesting the town centre of Margaret River.
"The Perimeter Road will take the majority of heavy vehicle and inter-regional traffic off the main street of Margaret River, allowing visitors and locals to enjoy increased safety and amenity in the town centre,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
"Completion of the Perimeter Road will enable the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River to commence its planned redevelopment of the town centre.
"Reduced travel times to other regional destinations and increased transport efficiency will provide economic benefits, including allowing producers to get their goods to market quicker."
WBHO western region executive general manager Will Grobler said the project team was looking forward to getting onsite soon.
“We are looking forward to working with local subcontractors and suppliers to build a road that helps tackle congestion and deliver a project that produces lasting benefits,” he said.
“Having delivered nbn telecommunications packages, resources projects and works for councils locally, WBHO is proud to be continuing our presence in the area with a project that is important for both the town and the entire region.”
SRG managing director David Macgeorge said the project would allow heavy vehicles to be removed from the iconic town centre with the purpose of reducing congestion.
“It is expected to enhance safety for pedestrians and local traffic in the commercial and tourist precinct,” he said.
