Water Corporation has completed works on a $9 million relocation of two large water mains in Western Australia.
Originally situated in shallow trenches below the road, the mains have been relocated to the verge on either side of Albany Highway, allowing Water Corporation to undertake maintenance with less impact to traffic.
The relocation allows for future upgrades to one of Maddington’s busiest intersections.
The project also fulfils a State Government election commitment and facilitates planned future works by Main Roads Western Australia to improve safety and ease congestion at the intersection of Kelvin and Olga Roads.
Western Australia Water Minister, Simone McGurk, said, “The State Government has delivered on our election commitment to relocate these two large water mains, paving the way for important upgrades to the intersection at Kelvin and Olga Roads.
“The mains are essential to providing drinking water to hundreds of thousands of homes across Perth, and were relocated by Water Corporation with impacts minimised due to a staged approach.
“We’d like to thank the community and local businesses for their patience while these works occurred.
“Our Government stands by our commitments to the community and is investing more than $370 million in water and wastewater projects in the metropolitan area during the 2022–23 financial year.”
The two mains transport billions of litres of water to dams and reservoirs across the metropolitan area for distribution to homes and businesses.
Beginning in May 2022, the project was staged to minimise disruption to commuters and businesses in the area.
Main Roads Western Australia will undertake safety improvements at the intersection, including:
- Construction of new left and right-turn pockets on both approaches of Albany Highway
- Construction of a new left turn pocket on Kelvin Road
- Upgrades to other infrastructure including drainage, pedestrian paths and crossings, signals, street lighting, pavement marking and signage
Service relocations are currently underway in preparation for the upgrades, which is expected to commence after the 18-month Armadale Train Line shut down, to reduce the impact for southern suburbs commuters on Albany Highway.
Western Australia Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said, “The intersection at Kelvin and Olga Roads has long been a concern for residents and commuters, and future upgrades by Main Roads will improve safety and traffic flow through the area.
“Our Government made a commitment to the Maddington community to progress these improvements, and completion of works by Water Corporation is a major milestone in this plan.
“Works on the upgrade will commence in 2025, once the shut down and upgrade to the Armadale Train Line have been completed.
“Whilst this is an important project, we recognise that carrying out these upgrades at the same time as the Armadale Line shut down, will have a significant negative impact on the local community and the movement of traffic along Albany Highway.
“Once the intersection upgrades are complete, it will allow activation in the area as prescribed in the Maddington Town Centre Development Plan. The upgrade will also facilitate a $30 million private investment to revitalise the precinct, resulting in a significant increase in economic activity and creating a significant number of local jobs.”
The project builds on the $370 million investment by the government in new water and wastewater projects across Perth for the 2022–23 financial year.
Thornlie MLA, Chris Tallentire, said, “I’ve heard firsthand how concerned locals have been by this intersection, and I’m pleased my hard work advocating on behalf of the community has paid off.
“The relocation of the water mains is a great result for Maddington and will set up the community for future upgrades.”