A TENDER for the second stage of Northlink has been awarded, despite concerns held by some Noranda, Morley and Bennett Springs residents about the work.
A BGC Contracting Pty Ltd and Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction joint venture has been awarded a $417 million contract for the construction of the central section of the Swan Valley Bypass between Reid Highway and Ellenbrook.
Works would begin with a 17km link between Benara and Maralla roads, then Reid Highway/Malaga Drive to Altone Road.
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READ NOWThe project also includes an interchange at the Reid Highway and Tonkin Highway intersection, flyovers at Marshall Road and Beechboro Road and interchanges at Hepburn Avenue, Gnangara Road and in Ellenbrook.
Last month, Noranda residents gathered to express their concerns about the closure of access to Lightning Park from Tonkin Highway
The access has been closed since November 11 and access is available only from the local road network.
Main Roads WA has agreed to monitor traffic conditions at the Hamersley Avenue and Beechboro Road North intersection in Morley after the Morley NorthLink Action Group called for a safe exit to Beechboro Road.
Bennett Springs residents also raised concerns last year that upgrades would mean residents of Orchid Park estate would be cut off from their homes.
Federal Urban Infrastructure Minister Paul Fletcher said the new highway would take most of the heavy traffic away from Great Northern Highway and create a safer environment for Swan Valley and Ellenbrook residents, businesses and tourists.
“The NorthLink WA project, once completed, will provide a continuous connection from the Perth Airport area through to Muchea,” he said.
“NorthLink WA will also improve services for regional traffic movements to commercial and industrial areas such as Malaga, Kewdale, Perth Airport and the Perth central business district.”
Construction of stage one of Northlink is set to be completed early 2018 and stage two by 2019.