Southern Ports is redeveloping the Port of Bunbury along Leschenault Drive to cater for future increased trade activity at the Inner Harbour.

To make sure the Port can operate efficiently and safely, and that the community can continue to enjoy the amenity of the estuary and public open space, an alternative access road and bridge to Turkey Point and Vittoria Bay will be constructed.

The new road, funded by Royalties for Regions, will reduce congestion and interaction between port-related vehicles and public road users.

More broadly, the project will support local jobs and stimulate the local economy – and pave the way for increased trade through the Port, ensuring the Port’s northern berths can facilitate trade in the future.

Whilst there will be some disturbance to the local environment during the works period, Southern Ports is committed to the protection and enhancement of the Port surrounds and its natural amenity – adhering to strict environmental standards during construction, on-ground environmental management, and the revegetation of a degraded area of the broader site.

The road alignment was also re-designed to reduce the extent of clearing required and avoid fragmentation of the coastal saltmarsh.

For more information download the project information sheet or watch the video below for an overview.

WORKS PROGRAM

Phase one 

• Phase one of these works are now complete.
• This included site investigations, geotechnical works (land-based and river-based), relocation of Western Power assets (by Western Power) and embankment surcharge works. 

Phase two

• Phase two includes the construction of the access road, including intersections and bridge.
• Tender calling for suppliers occurred in late 2023 and Fulton Hogan was appointed in March 2024. 
• Construction will begin from 18 March 2024 with completion expected by mid-2025. During this time there may be an impact on road users of Estuary Drive between St Andrews Drive and Willinge Drive, and the businesses and residents within this vicinity.

WORKS UPDATE

Preston River Notice

3 September 2024

The next stage of work on the Turkey Point Access Road and Bridge will commence this month (September 2024).

River works will begin from early September to establish the bridge and therefore a small section of the Preston River will be closed to recreational users until mid-2025.

For more information read the Temporary notice to mariners.

Estuary Drive reopens with new roundabout  

29 November 2024

Estuary Drive has reopened with a new roundabout and marks the next milestone in the development of the Turkey Point Access Road and Bridge which will provide better access to local amenities at Turkey Point, as well as driving trade opportunities at the Port of Bunbury.

The new roundabout on Estuary Drive was constructed over the past four weeks including new rumble strips and pedestrian and cycling access path, with permanent lighting still to be connected. Temporary lighting will remain in place until permanent lighting has been activated.

Southern Ports has worked with Fulton Hogan, City of Bunbury and Main Roads to deliver this key intersection which will connect the bridge between Estuary Drive and Leschenault Drive, and will become a vital piece of infrastructure aimed at reducing traffic congestion and interaction between port-related vehicles and public road users.

We thank everyone for their understanding while we built the roundabout in the fastest possible way without compromising its quality, and we ask that all road users are cautious with the change of road conditions while they familiarise themselves with the new intersection.
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I still get to Turkey Point during construction works? 
Yes. You can still access Turkey Point via Leschenault Drive following detour signage in place. 

When is the project scheduled for completion? 
The new access road and bridge is scheduled for completion in mid-2025. 

Who can I contact if I have any additional questions?
If you have any questions or comments about the Turkey Point project, please email us at engage@southernports.com.au or read the Project Information Sheet for more information.

This program is supported by the State Government's Royalties for Regions program.