road construction

The first stage of the Bussell Highway duplication project in Western Australia is complete, adding a new 5km section of highway and a duplicate road.

The $85 million project is 80 per cent funded by the Federal Government and 20 per cent funded by the Western Australian Government.

Stage 1 saw the construction of a new 5km section of highway, duplicating the road from just south of Spurr Street to Hutton Road.

More than 15,000 vehicles use that stretch of highway each day. The duplication will increase capacity and safety, as well as provide for safer overtaking opportunities between Bunbury and Busselton.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Barnaby Joyce, said the Federal Government was partnering with the Western Australian Government to fast-track regional, shovel-ready projects.

“Infrastructure projects such as this one get money flowing into jobs and businesses as soon as possible, while strengthening the economy in the long run,” Mr Joyce said.

“When the Bussell Highway duplication is complete, road users will experience a safer, smoother and less congested run to and from the South-West.”

Western Australian Minister for Transport and Planning, Rita Saffioti, said the project was supporting up to 570 direct and indirect jobs during construction.

“Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen an unprecedented amount of work being undertaken across our south-west,” Ms Saffioti said.

“Heading ‘down south’ is something we’ve all done and we’re all excited to do. I’m thrilled that this new road will make that adventure quicker, smoother and safer for generations to come.”

Federal Member for Forrest, Nola Marino, said that the Bussell Highway was notorious for traffic congestion and extended travel times, particularly on Friday afternoons and long weekends.

 “This project will help keep more local road users safe and really benefit our local communities by helping to reduce the lengthy delays they often experience during holiday periods,” Ms Marino said.

 “We are committed to improving travel times and safety for all Western Australians and I’m excited to see the first stage of this project play a big part in that.”

Western Australian Member for Collie-Preston, Jodie Hanns, said that when complete, the new road would provide benefits for local residents and tourists alike.

“The south-west continues to be a popular holiday destination and completion of this project will make a big difference to those heading away,” Ms Hanns said.

“Over the peak holiday periods the number of vehicles surges to more than 23,000 vehicles a day, so this will really change the drive down south.”

Early work has commenced on Stage 2 of the project, which involves construction of the remaining 12km section between Hutton Road and Busselton, along with the duplication of three bridges over the Abba, Sabina and Ludlow rivers.

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