Western Power powerline works delay Mid West Port Authority Marine Terrace roundabout project

Construction of a new roundabout on a busy Geraldton street is in its final stages, however design and construction delays could keep the main road closed for months. The City of Greater Geraldton is discussing options as Western Power expect to complete the design of electrical work at the Geraldton Port roundabout on Marine Terrace by mid-June. Mayor Shane Van Styn said the City must choose to reopen the road with costly traffic control measures or keep the road closed until the electrical works are complete. “Negotiations are under way as to who shares the costs of traffic management,” he said. Mr Van Styn said some of the traffic control measures would include lighting towers at night, directional signage and fencing for pedestrians to direct them. A Mid West Port Authority spokesperson said construction works were proceeding well and was working with both Western Power and the City to finalise the project. “Works are substantially complete with the remaining works including asphalting the slip lane, hard landscaping, line marking, installation of overhead lights, and Western Power’s works to underground the current overhead powerlines,” the spokesperson said. “MWPA is currently in discussions with the City of Greater Geraldton to have a staged opening of the Marine Terrace roundabout under temporary traffic management arrangement whilst awaiting the completion of Western Power works.” A Western Power spokesperson said the MWPA submitted their redesign to Western Power on Friday, May 5 and expect to complete the design by mid-June. “(MWPA) have entered an early undertaking with Western Power to purchase the required equipment in advance to mitigate supply chain delays,” the spokesperson said. “Energisation of the site will be occur once the construction work has been finalised.” The road is one of two routes connecting the Geraldton CBD to the city’s west end and Fisherman’s Wharf and access has been closed since February. The project aims to improve the movement of heavy haulage trucks in and out of the port. MWPA will schedule construction after Western Power’s design is received.