Road users travelling to and from Margaret River will now have access to the new seven-kilometre perimeter road, opened just in time for the Christmas period.
The Margaret River Perimeter Road project extends from Airport Access Road north of Margaret River, linking back to Bussell Highway south of Margaret River.
It will greatly improve safety and reduce congestion in and around the town. The high-standard, free-flowing route will also improve efficiencies for heavy vehicles which have been travelling through the town of Margaret River for many years.
The second stage spans 5.2 kilometres and features major roundabouts at the northern end of the project and at Rosa Brook Road. Additional intersections have been constructed at Airport Access Road, John Archibald Drive and Rosa Brook Road (east).
It also includes a 96-metre road bridge, a separate footbridge on the Darch Trail and a 2.5-metre sealed shoulder on the perimeter road for cyclists.
A number of key sustainability initiatives were deployed for this stage of the project, which include reusing site materials for drainage, landscaping and rock protection around bridges. In addition, gravel sources north and south of the town were utilised to avoid carting through the town’s main street, reducing haulage costs, congestion and vehicle emissions.
Final works to complete the second stage will be carried out early in 2019.
Stage one of this project was completed in May 2015, bringing the total funding for the perimeter road to $47.6 million.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Road user safety is a priority for the State Government. The completion of the Margaret River Perimeter Road means an alternative route for heavy vehicles around the town of Margaret River and, in turn, reduced congestion in the town centre.
“Importantly, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River can now commence the renewal of the main street of this popular tourist town, which attracts many local, interstate and overseas visitors each year.
“We thank the Community Reference Group, made up of a range of stakeholders, for volunteering hours of their time working with the project team in recent years.
“The Margaret River Perimeter Road project involved around 21 local companies, 20 local traineeships and 120 local workers.”
