Joint media release: Work to start on Roe 8 following contract award

The Western Australian Liberal National Government has approved a contract to build Roe 8, a key transport initiative which will significantly improve traffic flow across Perth's southern suburbs.

Premier Colin Barnett said Roe 8 - the 5km, four-lane dual carriageway extension of Roe Highway from the Kwinana Freeway intersection through to Stock Road - would deliver significant benefits to the Western Australian economy.

"Roe 8 is part of the 85km freight route from Muchea to Fremantle and will redistribute more than 6,900 trucks and 74,000 light vehicles per day from existing routes in the area," the Premier said.

"This project will substantially reduce congestion, improve freight efficiency, road safety and access to key activity centres including Murdoch.

“Western Australia stands to gain major benefits from Roe 8 including the creation of hundreds of jobs and productivity gains achieved through road network efficiencies."

Transport Minister Bill Marmion said a contract for the construction of Roe 8 was being finalised. Contract award to a consortium comprising CPB Contractors, Georgiou, WA Limestone, GHD, AECOM and BG&E was expected in forthcoming days.

"This project has State and Commonwealth environmental approvals and will be delivered under strict environmental conditions and regulations,” the Minister said.

“It will also create between 400 and 500 direct jobs and thousands of indirect job opportunities during construction.”

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher welcomed the announcement that a contract would be approved in coming days.

“Roe 8 is an important component of the overall $1.9 billion Perth Freight Link Project,” Mr Fletcher said.

“We look forward to further announcements in the near future in relation to development of the next stage of Perth Freight Link, which will extend from Stock Road to the Fremantle Inner Harbour.”

Roe 8 has a total project budget of $540 million. The contract for the extension of Roe Highway between Kwinana Freeway and Coolbellup Avenue is valued at $340 million. The Roe Highway/Stock Road interchange has an estimated additional cost of about $110 million.

Roe 8 will be constructed under strict environmental conditions and regulations. Approximately $45 million will be spent on managing environmental sensitivities and to provide improved recreational access to the area.