The pre-construction work on Stage One of the Bussell Highway dual carriageway has commenced, with the $4.5 million tender being awarded.
The pre-works will pave the way for construction to begin on the 5km section between Capel Bypass and Hutton Road – once funding can be secured from the Federal Government.
The State Government has been lobbying the Commonwealth Government to roll the Bussell Highway upgrades into the Bunbury Outer Ring Road (BORR) project, and this early work will ensure construction can begin quickly when funding is secured.
Fulton Hogan was awarded the contract, with the BCP/Kaartdijin Joint Venture undertaking the project on Fulton Hogan’s behalf, engaging local Aboriginal people and supporting local jobs during the works.
The pre-loading works for Stage One have commenced and are expected to be completed by January 2020.
This major project milestone will see land along sections of the road compacted with sandfill, which will need to remain in place for up to 12 months prior to commencing construction.
Construction work for Stage One could commence in late 2020, subject to funding being secured.
Preparation works, including design and environmental approvals, for Stage Two of the project are continuing. Stage Two will include construction of a 12km section of carriageway between Hutton Road and Busselton, along with three bridges.
WA Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said, “I am very pleased the McGowan Government has got this project moving after so many years of false starts by those who came before us.
“We are lobbying the Federal Government hard to roll the full project into the BORR, but in the meantime, we’re not sitting still.
“I have written to the Federal Minister requesting that some of the $1.2 billion set aside for the flawed Perth Freight Link project is redirected to this project.
“Completing these pre-works now will mean once funding is secured, we will be ready to start work faster.
“The engagement of the BCP/Kaartdijin Joint Venture will support local Aboriginal employment, which is a terrific added outcome for this important project.
“Once complete, the Bussell Highway will be able to better cater for holiday traffic, while also improving overall safety and normal daily travel times between Bunbury and Busselton.”
