Albany Ring Road taking shape with “no serious issues”

The second section of the Albany Ring Road is on track to open early next year, with no serious issues encountered during construction so far, according to Main Roads WA.

The Albany Ring Road is designed to boost road safety and the economic future of Albany’s port by reducing heavy haulage traffic in residential areas while giving trucks more direct access to the port.

The first section, from Chester Pass Road to Albany Highway along Menang Drive, was completed in 2007.

Construction of the remaining two stages of the project started last year at a cost of $175 million.

Last week, Main Roads spokesman Dean Roberts said the second section of the ring road between Albany Highway and Lancaster Road was expected to open to traffic in early 2022.

“Concrete footings for the bridge are on track and this will be followed by installation of mechanically stabilised earth walls on each side of Albany Highway,” Mr Roberts said.

Power services along Albany Highway have been placed underground so poles do not interfere with bridge construction. Water and effluent services will be moved away from the bridge footings, while telecommunication services are being laid deeper.

“While all major construction projects encounter some technical and logistical challenges, no serious issues have been experienced on the ring road project that will impact completion date,” Mr Roberts said.

Construction of the third and final section, from Lancaster Road to Princess Royal Drive, is scheduled to end in late 2023.