The McGowan Government has successfully secured Commonwealth funding to construct stage one of the much awaited second carriageway on Bussell Highway.
Construction on the $85 million project is set to begin later this year, supporting up to 570 direct and indirect jobs and providing opportunities to local businesses.
The project will include the construction of a five-kilometre section between the Capel Bypass and Hutton Road, along with reconstruction works for a section of the existing carriageway.
Preparation works, including design and environmental approvals, for stage two of the project are continuing.
The second stage includes construction of the remaining 12-kilometre section between Hutton Road and Busselton, along with three bridges.
The McGowan Government completed $4.5 million worth of pre-construction works on Bussell Highway earlier this year, paving the way for the next stage of the project to commence.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“This is an important project for the South-West region that will support local jobs, provide opportunities for local businesses to tender on the project and stimulate the local economy.
“We have worked hard to lobby the Commonwealth for this funding and I am pleased they have come to the table on this important project.
“With funding in place for this project, and construction of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road commencing next year, travel within the South-West region will soon become safer than ever before.”
As stated by Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
“I have supported the Minister in lobbying for this project as I am aware of just how important it is to our entire region, and I am so pleased to see all the hard work has paid off.
“This project will be great for local residents who use the highway for their daily commute as well as for the thousands of visitors who travel down to holiday in our region.
“This type of Government investment that delivers much needed community infrastructure while creating local jobs is exactly what the South-West needs at this time.
“Completing stage one of this remaining 17 kilometre section is the first step to providing an uninterrupted, 46 kilometre dual carriageway between Bunbury and Busselton, significantly improving travel times and improving safety for local residents and tourists.”
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:
“Delivering this much needed project will create significant employment opportunities for local people, and adds to the McGowan Government’s significant investment in the South-West region of our State.
“Duplication of Bussell Highway ensures that the safety and travel time benefits of Bunbury Outer Ring Road will be enjoyed by road users travelling to Busselton and beyond.”
