Construction on the final section of the Bussell Highway Duplication project is set to get underway in December.
MACA Civil Pty Ltd has just been awarded a construction contract for the work, which will see the remaining 12-kilometre section of highway duplicated, from Hutton Road through to Busselton.
Stage 1 of the project, which was completed in December 2021, saw the construction of a new five-kilometre section of highway, duplicating the road from just south of Spurr Street to Hutton Road.
A further three-kilometre section of dual carriageway, between Hutton Road and north of Ludlow River, was completed in April 2022.
Construction of three new bridges along Bussell Highway is also well underway. Work on the two new two-span bridges – one measuring 38 metres over the Ludlow River and the other 32 metres over the Abba River – and the third, 20-metre, single-span bridge, over the Sabina River is expected to be completed in early 2023.
Earthworks to prepare the remaining section of Stage 2 for major construction have been progressing over the winter months.
More than 15,000 vehicles use this stretch of highway each day. The duplication will increase capacity and safety, including more overtaking opportunities between Bunbury and Busselton.
The project is jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments, and expected to be completed by late 2024.
As stated by Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“This is yet another great example of the Australian and WA governments working together to ensure the delivery of critical infrastructure in regional Western Australia ensuring a safer, smoother and less congested journey for road users to and from the South-West.
“WA’s South-West region is an extremely popular holiday destination with vehicle numbers surging during peak holiday periods to more than 23,000 a day, which is why this upgrade is so vital.”
As stated by WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“It’s fantastic to see the project reach the final stage, but we’re already seeing safety benefits for commuters with around eight kilometres of Bussell Highway upgraded to date.
“Completion of this final section, including construction of the three bridges, will help make this iconic West Aussie road-trip more enjoyable due to the improved safety and efficiency for all road users.
“In its entirety, the project is supporting up to 570 direct and indirect jobs during the construction process.”
