Wandina and Mt Tarcoola residents will love this new road

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter and Chairman of the MWDC, Murray Criddle were the first to drive on the newly opened Verita Road today.

The seven kilometre stretch of road connecting Highbury Street, Mount Tarcoola, to Columbus Boulevard, Wandina, is now open to traffic.

Stage one of the project commenced in September 2013 and has finished under budget at $15,495,323.44 with stage two on track for completion in September 2015.

Funding for stage one of the project included the seven kilometre road measuring 10.6m wide along with three roundabouts, alteration to existing services, lighting, drainage, signage, design, clearing and grubbing, environmental and dust suppression, vibration and dust monitoring, surveying and setting out, construction of three sumps, safety management consultant services, quality management and testing, water bores, standpipes, water storage tanks, fencing, site management and supervision.  

Around 86 percent of the $15 million was spent using local contractors. Of the construction part of the contract, 96% went to local suppliers.

An estimated $18.5 million is projected for stage two of the project which will extend Verita Road to Abraham Street, Karloo, and will include a 65m bridge over the Geraldton Southern Transport Corridor.

The City has contributed over $9 million in funding to the project with an additional $13,970,000 from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions through the Mid West Investment Plan, $9 million from Australian Government’s Building Better Regional Cities program and a further $2 million from Asia Iron. 

On inspection of the new road, Mayor Carpenter, said the project was a perfect example of a good working relationship with the City, the MWDC, Federal Government, a resrouces company and local suppliers to deliver greater connectivity for the people of Geraldton.

Verita Road provides a link from the south to the northern suburbs, and also links to the industrial areas.

“This is one of the City’s biggest infrastructure projects and our investment will  create greater connectivity within the community,” he said.

“By taking cars off the Brand Highway, and onto a service road, we will reduce the traffic on the highway making it safer, and reduce travelling times for many people.”