The Shire of Northam have welcomed recent funding from the Federal Government for planning into the Eastlink WA Orange Route.
Two weeks ago the WA State and Federal Governments announced funding allocations for major infrastructure projects including $10 million into the Orange Route.
Shire of Northam Chief Executive Officer Jason Whiteaker said council have been promoting the potential benefits of the Orange Route for a number years.
“It is very positive to see the recent $10m Federal Budget allocation to commence planning, although the Shire is mindful that the lead time for such significant projects can be significant.
“The Council is committed to continue to advocate for the Orange Route development at a State and Federal level.”
Numerous studies and planning have been completed over the years for the proposed Orange Route.
In the 1970’s investigations commenced to determine the most desirable route for the Mundaring to Northam section of the proposed PANH and the Eastern Corridor was endorsed as one of Perth’s four major development corridors by the State Government. During this time the Planning Review of the Mundaring to Northam section of the PANH commenced.
Most recently in 2015 Main Roads initiated the Network Assessment for PANH which has reviewed standards, connectivity and included preparation of Concept Design.
The proposed Orange Route would replace the section of Great Eastern Highway, between Midland and Clackline as the primary freight route and regional highway to the east, which currently carries in the order of 8000 vehicles per day with 20 per cent of those being heavy vehicles.
The objectives of the project are to extend the double road train network into the metropolitan area.
Currently these vehicles need to break down at Northam due to the grade on Great Eastern Highway in Green Mount.
Main Roads said the project will improve road safety by the removal of heavy vehicles through the residental areas of Mundaring, Sawyers Valley and Bakers Hill town sites.
They said the Orange Route will have significantly improved geometry and will be designed in accordance with safe system principles.
The Turnbull and McGowan Governments have agreed to build historic, major infrastructure projects that will create thousands of jobs, stimulate economic growth and crush congestion, allowing commuters to get home more quickly and safely.
Federal funding of $3.2 billion in the 2018-19 Commonwealth Budget, will facilitate the construction of $5.4 billion in infrastructure development for Western Australia, based on current cost estimates and subject to business cases as appropriate.
This significant infrastructure package will provide a major boost to WA's local economy, with many thousands of jobs expected to be created during construction.
Planning work for the Eastlink WA Orange Route ($10 million in federal funding)
State Government funding will be provided towards these METRONET and road projects, subject to normal State Budget processes and further federal funding may be sought from existing Federal Government infrastructure programs.
As always, final METRONET and road project costs will be determined as part of business case development. Cost estimates are indicative as always and the State Government will provide final costs following business case development in the usual way.