These corridors are areas in which investigations will take place to search for route options. The RTA is now carefully considering each submission as well as issues raised during the display.

An RTA spokesperson said the issues raised in the submissions tell the RTA if the corridors need to be broadened or narrowed and whether there is an issue in a corridor that cannot be resolved.

The spokesperson said the display of the five corridors was initially available for public comment from 17 November 2008 until 22 December 2008, but was extended until 30 January 2009 following requests from community members.

“Because of the extension of the display period and the number of submissions, more time is required to assess the submissions and we now expect the corridors to be confirmed in several weeks time,” the spokesperson said.

“Government agencies are also providing their comments.

“The RTA would like to thank all interested parties for the time and effort they put into the submissions,” the spokesperson said.

“Any route identified in this project must bypass the village of Mount Victoria, replace the steep grades of Victoria Pass and bypass River Lett Hill,” the spokesperson said.

Three of the corridors run through the Hartley Valley, a fourth across Newnes Plateau and the fifth generally along the existing route of the Great Western Highway.

The spokesperson said that once the RTA has confirmed the corridors it will be asking the community to help identify any possible routes within the five corridors.