It’s been about six months since Menang Drive (part of the Albany Ring Road project) opened to traffic and new data is showing promising results.
Menang Drive was opened in May and in recent months, results have shown an average of around 200 trucks removed from the centre of Albany each day.
The data was collected using temporary traffic monitors throughout the months of August and September, with permanent counting stations to be established in the coming month.
The data means around 30,000 trucks destined for Port of Albany have now used the ring road since it opened.
“The data we have obtained to date shows just how big an impact Menang Drive is having on local Albany roads, with thousands of trucks no longer using some of the city’s key arterial routes,” said Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.
“Prior to the opening of this road, heavy vehicles moving to and from the port travelled through the centre of Albany, competing with local traffic along the way.
“With truck movements growing year on year, having heavy vehicles use this route was no longer sustainable or safe for Albany locals, which is why we invested hundreds of millions to build the new ring road.”
The number of trucks using the road is expected to grow significantly in the months ahead with the grain harvest season approaching.
Menang Drive provides an 11-kilometre connection between Albany Highway and Princess Royal Drive, with trucks travelling to the Port of Albany now required to use this road.
The new road includes three grade-separated interchanges at Albany Highway, South Coast Highway and Frenchman Bay Road.
Prior to the project, vehicles travelling to and from the port would have been using key arterial routes including Chester Pass Road, Albany Highway, and Hanrahan Road.
Two designated truck parking bays on Menang Drive close to Lancaster Road are also being heavily used, with demand expected to grow in the coming years.
Construction of the new Frenchman Bay Road interchange has also removed a level crossing and two unprotected right turning movements, addressing what had been an accident hotspot and a heavily congested location during peak periods.
Adding to the project will be the construction of a new flyover at the intersection of Menang Drive and Chester Pass Road, which will provide free-flowing access from Chester Pass Road all the way to the port. Site works are expected to begin next year.