Wedoany.com Report on Feb 5th, A critical final stage of the Albany Ring Road commenced this month, with a $60 million Albany Interchange to be constructed at the intersection of Menang Drive and Chester Pass Road. This project aims to deliver tangible improvements in freight efficiency and road safety for a key transport corridor in the Great Southern region.
Once completed, the new Albany Interchange will provide heavy vehicles with a continuous route from Chester Pass Road directly to the Port of Albany, eliminating the need for trucks to queue and cross opposing traffic flows, thereby addressing long-standing bottlenecks on this freight route. Southbound vehicles will be able to exit Chester Pass Road via a dedicated elevated ramp and, through an overpass design, merge directly onto the westbound direction of Menang Drive.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti noted the positive impact already seen from the Albany Ring Road: "The construction of the Albany Ring Road is a significant improvement to the transport network in the Great Southern, providing a better route to the port and enhancing safety for local road users. In its first 18 months of operation, the project has diverted approximately 2,000 vehicles per day, including 800 trucks, effectively reducing traffic pressure in the Albany city centre." She emphasized that completing this final link is crucial as the region continues to develop.
Regional Development and Ports Minister Stephen Dawson stated that this upgrade will facilitate port freight movement: "Albany, as the major economic hub of the Great Southern, relies on high-volume freight routes connecting the port and surrounding areas. These upgrade projects driven by the Government are dedicated to improving access to the port for heavy vehicles, enhancing road safety, and attracting further investment into the region."
Road Safety and Great Southern Minister Reece Whitby believes the interchange will deliver long-term safety benefits: "This Albany Interchange is a major road safety upgrade for Albany, separating heavy vehicles from local traffic and significantly improving safety for families, freight operators, and all drivers using the ring road. Completing the final section of the ring road will fundamentally optimise traffic flow around the urban area, providing smooth, direct access to the port."
MLC member Samantha Rowe added that the project will build on the existing benefits of the ring road: "The Albany Ring Road already diverts thousands of heavy vehicles from the city centre each week, reducing congestion and improving road safety. The new interchange will further amplify the comprehensive benefits this long-term project brings to the Great Southern region." The project construction is being undertaken by Highway Construction Pty Ltd, with initial works focusing on earthworks and road base preparation on both sides of Chester Pass Road, aiming to minimise disruption by working away from active traffic areas where possible.
The completion of the Albany Interchange will mark a critical step in upgrading the region's transport network.
