CITY of Swan’s $71 million Stock Road extension has taken out the top prize at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia WA Awards for Excellence 2024.

The Stock Road extension won the metropolitan award for best public works project greater than $5m and was announced as the overall winner of the prestigious GK Watters local government engineering excellence award.

The Stock Road extension created a 4.3km connection between Great Northern Highway and Tonkin Highway, featuring a bridge over Ellen Brook, a rail crossing, five T-intersections and a roundabout at Great Northern Highway.

Since opening in September 2023, it has increased connectivity, reduced travel times and boosted road safety by allowing heavy haulage to bypass the Bullsbrook townsite.

The federal government provided $16.67m which was also backed by developer contribution plans.

City of Swan Mayor Tanya Richardson said it was one of the biggest projects the city had delivered in terms of cost and construction.

“It unlocks significant economic potential, enabling the creation of a new industrial hub in Perth’s north-east.

“It’s a big step towards ensuring our local economy continues to thrive, creating jobs for our fast-growing community.”

The project was led by John Drake, City of Swan senior project manager, who was a finalist for emerging young leader award.

It was the sixth consecutive year that a city staff member was a finalist in the young leader category.

“This has been a major civil infrastructure project for the City of Swan and it signifies the beginning of an exciting new era for Bullsbrook residents and the wider local community,” Mr Drake said.

“I appreciate that I was given the opportunity four years ago, while still in the graduate program, to take on the delivery of this complex project.

“It has enabled me to continue developing my skills in leadership, civil engineering, project management and technical capabilities.”