Works on a $288 million major road project over the Mitchell Freeway has ceased after a suspected asbestos discovery on site.
A Main Roads WA media release announcing the discovery on Friday came just two days after it was revealed the major project in Stirling and Innaloo had reached a major milestone.
On Tuesday, the project entered its second and final stage, which includes a “launching” of the two bridges over the Mitchell Freeway.
The Stephenson Avenue Extension project will feature an overpass built over the freeway to ease congestion in the area, especially for commuters travelling to and from Osborne Park.
Construction was said to be in its final six months and expected to be finished before the end of the year, however this latest update has put that date in jeopardy.
“Main Roads advises it has implemented asbestos management measures on the Stephenson Avenue Extension Stage 2 construction site following the discovery of suspected asbestos within stockpiles of spoil material,” the Main Roads WA release said.
“All work on the construction site has now ceased until it is determined safe for workers to return.”
Main Roads said a portion of the project is located above the old Hertha Road landfill site in Stirling and samples of the material were gathered last week for testing.
The site has now been closed while test results are still forthcoming.
The spoil material stockpiles represent less than 10 per cent of the total project construction site and are now exclusion zones.
Main Roads said the risk to the community was low due to suppression from recent rainfall, however it will put in place a range of measures to mitigate risk.
This includes application of dust suppression polymer over the affected areas, air monitoring equipment installed across the site, and the appointment of an accredited contaminated sites auditor and other experts to help in the management of the site.
Main Roads said it would work closely with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, WorkSafe, Department of Health and construction contractor S2ME to control management of the stockpiles and safely manage any spoil confirmed as contaminated.