The Australian Government has contributed $44.2 million to Western Australia’s Regional Road Safety Package in partnership with the State Government to be rolled out over the next four years.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, said the funding was part of the Australian Government’s $1.6 billion contribution to a $2.3 billion road and rail infrastructure package that would improve safety, ease congestion and keep the state’s economy moving.
“The 16 individual projects will include improvements to major regional routes such as the South West Highway, Boyanup-Capel Road, Indian Ocean Drive, Brand Highway, the Great Northern Highway and the North West Coastal Highway,” Mr Chester said.
“Through this package, we are committed to tackling dangerous roads across the state by investing in road widening, shoulder sealing, new overtaking lanes, intersection improvements and other safety upgrades.
“The projects included in the package have been prioritised based on factors such as economy of scale, deliverability and cost effectiveness, with the Western Australia Government committing $11.05 million towards them.
“The various projects are progressing well, with a contract recently awarded to deliver the $11 million Albany Lake Grace (Chester Pass Road) — Amelup Curves project, which will improve safety and make life easier for heavy vehicle operators, benefitting the entire Great Southern regional economy.”
Project values range from $1.5 million toward the Goldfields Highway and the Great Northern Highway, to $11 million for curve improvements, intersection upgrades and two new bridges on Albany Lake Grace (Chester Pass Road),—,Amelup Curves.
The various upgrades will be undertaken between 2017–18 and 2019–20. The Australian Government has committed a total of $44.2 million and the Western Australian Government a total of $11.05 million to fund the package.
