THE federal and state governments have launched a tender process for further construction of the $14.6m Penola Bypass with a view to be complete and operational in the second half of next year.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack and South Australian counterpart Stephan Knoll foreshadowed the release of the tender, with the contract expected to be awarded late 2019.
The project includes the construction of a new 2.2km undivided sealed road, a T-junction at the Riddoch Highway where the new bypass will connect to the highway and an upgrade of the bypass and the Robe to Clay Wells Road to a staggered T-junction.
A realignment of Riddoch Highway (Church Street) T-junction with the existing southern bypass will also be undertaken as well as road LED lighting at the three junctions and drainage infrastructure.
Mr McCormack said the project will boost safety and deliver travel time settings for residents and tourists alike.
“On the bypass, local traffic will be separated from freight vehicles, enabling frieght drivers to get their products and produce to where it needs to be sooner and safer,” he said.
State Infrastructure and Transport Minister Stephan Knoll said the region “will now see shovels in the ground” from next year.
The first and southern stage of the bypass was completed in 2015, with the previous State Labor Government funding the 2.5km section between Robe Road and Riddoch Highway.
The Federal Government is contributing $11.7m for the construction of the Northern Bypass, with the South Australian Government providing the remaining $2.9m.
Wattle Range Council also contributed by funding the property acquisition requirements for the bypass.
Mr Pasin said the announcement marked an important milestone for the long-awaited project.
“To finally have the ball rolling is a huge relief considering what we went through with the previous State Labor Government, who refused to accept the Federal Funding I fought to secure to see stage two completed,” he said.
MacKillop MP Nick McBride said the announcement of the tender process brings the stage two works “a step closer to completion”.
“The Penola Bypass is a great example of the federal and state governments working together to achieve positive outcomes for regional areas,” he said.
“I look forward to the contracts being awarded, I am hopeful that some of our local small and medium contractors will be given the opportunity to prove themselves competitive in this process.”
The multimillion dollar project will be funded on an 80:20 basis, with the Federal Government contributing the bulk of the funds.
