Port traffic to be separated as Turkey Point access road and bridge construction begins

Construction is set to begin on the Turkey Point access road and bridge with the contract for construction being awarded to Fulton Hogan, worth $22 million. Estuary Drive and Leschenault Drive at the Port of Bunbury will be connected with the new access road, which is designed to reduce congestion and keep public road vehicles and port traffic on separate roads. According to Southern Ports the current combined traffic has led to crashes, near misses and congestion. It is anticipated the port will become busier in years to come, adding more large trucks and heavy vehicles to the mix. Southern Ports chief executive Keith Wilks said he was pleased to see the project address roadblocks for increasing port services. “This Turkey Point access road and bridge is an important part of our Port of Bunbury’s master plan that will help us to unlock trade for our Berth 8 and future trade through additional berths,” he said. “We have more than 100,000 truck movements through our port, with the only access to our northern berths via Leschenault Drive and the existing access road through the port. “It’s also an important part of how we’re increasing safety for the community and our port users, by diverting public road users away from the port and instead providing direct access to Turkey Point.” A bridge will also be built over the Preston River, running parallel to the existing train bridge. Construction is in the second phase of the project with site investigations, geotechnical work and relocating electrical infrastructure already completed. An embankment surcharge was also undertaken to prepare for the build which is set to be completed in mid-2025. Regional Development Minister Don Punch said the transformation would boost the popular site. “I’m pleased to see this vital regional project come to life, creating jobs and enhancing our economic development as part of our Royalties for Regions program,” he said. “Turkey Point is a much-loved recreational amenity for our Bunbury community and having safer and easier access is a bonus for everyone.”