​​​​​​​​​​​​​Albany Ring Road

We met with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) in late 2019 to discuss the project and obtain feedback on potential issues and management actions.  

Albany Ring Road is being designed to minimise environmental impacts. Most (> 80%) of the project is located on cleared land. Consultation with local environmental groups is also taking place to discuss the project and obtain local input.  The main areas of concern were: 

• Potential impacts to Western Ringtail Possums (via vehicle strikes) and the preservation of linkage and corridor vegetation for this species. 
• Potential impacts to flora species and the creation of a genetic barrier  (i.e. road acting as barrier preventing flow of genetic material) 

​We are committed to ongoing engagement with environmental groups to get input into the environmental management planning. 

Are there changes to the Menang Drive/ Chester Pass Road intersection? 

This is not part of the current scope / funding. We are currently investigating how a grade-separated ramp or interchange might work at this intersection. We have to take into account any impacts to property access. This will provide a cost estimate for consideration. Construction is dependent on funding availability.​ 

 Why not upgrade the Chester Pass roundabout in town? 

We have looked at a variety of other opportunities to improve the road network, including grade separating the Chester Pass roundabout.  

This is costly and has significant impacts on adjacent commercial and residential land. While it will provide some level of improvement in the short term, it won't address congestion issues or safety concerns in the medium to long term. ​ 

Is George Street too steep for trucks to use? 

​This is a steep area, and we will ensure the gradient is no greater than 5% so trucks can comfortably use it. We will use a “cut and fill" process where we move earth from one place to another to level the ground.  

We cut the earth from above the desired ground height and 'fill' a lower area (or hole) to desired ground level.  In addition, a climbing lane will be constructed to allow slower moving vehicles to be overtaken safely at this location.​ 

Are there any new paths for cyclists and pedestrians? 

There isn't a separate cycling/walking facility included as part of these works. There are parallel local roads, which may become the primary cycle network through the area.​ 

The Hanrahan Road / Frenchman's Bay Road interchange will provide connectivity to the existing path network in this area. We are aware of maintaining connections for the Munda Biddi and Bibbulmun Tracks.   

We will design the Albany Highway and South Coast Highway interchanges to ensure cycling infrastructure can be built in the future as required. We will seek feedback from cycling groups as the concept plan is developed.