Barnett promises new tunnel to Freo if re-elected

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This was published 7 years ago

Barnett promises new tunnel to Freo if re-elected

By Hannah Barry
Updated

A new three-kilometre tunnel into Fremantle is on the State Government's agenda if they are re-elected in March.

Premier Colin Barnett announced the plan on Sunday morning, and said the tunnel would be a part of the Roe 9 construction expected to begin in 2020.

The tunnel would run from the Stock and Winterfold Roads intersection in Hilton through to High Street in East Fremantle, and would run beneath homes in Hilton and White Gum Valley.

Transport Minister Bill Marmion said the Liberal Government would commit $181 million to the $903 million project, with the remaining 80 per cent provided by the Federal Government.

The state government claims Roe 8 and Roe 9 will remove nearly 7,000 heavy vehicles per day from the southern urban arterial road network.

The state government claims Roe 8 and Roe 9 will remove nearly 7,000 heavy vehicles per day from the southern urban arterial road network.Credit: Craig Abraham

Mr Barnett said the tunnel option would provide the most direct route, and was a 'better value for money'.

"Roe 8 and Roe 9 will remove nearly 7,000 heavy vehicles per day from the southern urban arterial road network," he said.

"This will make for a safer and more reliable road journey into and out of Fremantle.

"Together they will also allow heavy vehicles and other road users to bypass the 14 sets of traffic lights now on Leach Highway and Stock Road, creating a safer environment for all road users."

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Drilling works begin on the Roe 8 project.

Drilling works begin on the Roe 8 project.Credit: Facebook

The promise comes as protests against the Perth Freight Link heat up, as activists continue to clash with police at rallies in Coolbellup bushlands.

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Mr Marmion said the Roe 9 route would be subject to a 'strict environmental approval process' which could take up to 18 months.

A protester camping in a tree at the Roe 8 site.

A protester camping in a tree at the Roe 8 site.Credit: Hannah Barry

"$5 million has been allocated for project environmental assessment requirements in the 2016-17 State Budget and it is expected this process will take up to 18 months," he said.

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