The Western Australian Government has announced the official opening of the 27km Wilman Wadandi Highway.
Marking the biggest road project delivered in the South West region, the highway provides major benefits for Bunbury locals and people travelling to and from the South West.
Traffic will formally begin flowing on the four-lane highway on 16 December, which connects Forrest Highway north of Bunbury to Bussell Highway south of Bunbury.
The new road is expected to divert around 15,000 vehicles from local Bunbury roads every day, reducing congestion and delivering safer and more efficient journeys for locals.
The road will also shave travel times to and from the South West by around 20 minutes, with drivers now avoiding 13 sets of traffic lights on their journey to key tourism hubs including Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River.
The new road includes five bridges, four grade-separated interchanges, and 19 fauna crossings, representing a significant investment in the region’s transport infrastructure.
The Wilman Wadandi Highway project has also delivered substantial benefits to the local economy including:
- The creation of 4,500 jobs during the construction phase
- More than $558 million has been spent with South West businesses
- $54 million has been spent with Aboriginal businesses
Some minor works will still be underway across a range of areas including on some local roads, landscaping, artwork and minor tie-in works.
The Wilman Wadandi Highway has been jointly funded by the Federal and Western Australian governments, underscoring a commitment to the long-term regional growth of the area.
The Federal Government has committed $1.1 billion, while the Western Australian Government has contributed $356.7 million to the $1.46 billion project.
Western Australian Premier, Roger Cook, said, “Our government is delivering the critical infrastructure our regions need for the future.
“The Wilman Wadandi Highway will slash congestion in the South West, getting cars off local roads in Bunbury, improving road safety and shaving up to 20 minutes off travel times around the region.
“I want to thank the thousands of workers that have delivered this important project, which I know will make a real difference for residents, commuters and travellers in our regions.”
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King, said, “The opening of the Wilman Wadandi Highway marks a significant milestone for Western Australia, representing one of the largest investments in regional infrastructure ever undertaken in the state’s south west.
“This highway will transform travel for freight, tourists, and locals by reducing congestion, improving safety, and enhancing connectivity across the region.”
Western Australian Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said, “We’ve seen significant growth around Bunbury and the clash of local traffic, with tourist and freight traffic heading to the South West was no longer sustainable.
“The Wilman Wadandi Highway will reduce congestion on local Bunbury roads and make the commute to and from the South West around 20 minutes faster for thousands of motorists every day.
“This is the biggest road project we have delivered in the South West, and will ensure our road network remains safe, efficient and reliable for many decades to come.”
