Albany’s ambitious Ring Road project has reached key milestones, marking significant progress in easing traffic congestion and enhancing connectivity in the region.
The project, funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments, is on track to be completed by the middle of the year.
One of the major achievements includes the opening of the completed section between Albany Highway and South Coast Highway.
This newly accessible stretch of road will improve travel between Albany’s northern and eastern suburbs and the town of Denmark, enhancing overall accessibility for residents.
Another crucial development includes the inauguration of the bridge linking Hanrahan Road to Frenchman Bay Road, scheduled for 28 March 2024.
This bridge aims to alleviate congestion at one of Albany’s busiest intersections — facilitating smoother travel between Little Grove and the CBD.
Additionally, it will enable the final pavement and sealing works on the main Ring Road alignment in the upcoming months.
The Albany Ring Road project, spanning 11 kilometres, includes three grade-separated interchanges at Albany Highway, South Coast Highway, and Frenchman Bay Road.
This significant infrastructure upgrade is designed to reroute heavy vehicles around Albany, enhancing freight efficiency, reducing congestion, and improving safety on existing local routes such as Albany Highway.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government Minister Catherine King highlighted the importance of the project, emphasising its role in safeguarding the long-term viability and efficiency of the Port of Albany.
The project is expected to enhance competitiveness for exports from the region.
Minister King said: “The Albany Ring Road is a critical project for Western Australia’s Great Southern Region, safeguarding the long-term viability and efficiency of the Port of Albany by providing free‑flowing road access.
“The opening of the section to South Coast Highway and the new Frenchman Bay Road Bridge is an important double milestone as we look to get the Ring Road fully operational by the end of autumn.”
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti commended Main Roads and contractor Decmil for their progress, noting that the project is the largest infrastructure endeavour ever undertaken in the Great Southern region.
She highlighted the project’s goal of providing a safe, efficient, and free-flowing route for heavy vehicles — which will in turn improve safety and amenity for residents and visitors.