The Western Australian Government is investing $89 million towards regional roads, including the Bunbury Outer Ring Road.
“This announcement includes a significant contribution to improving safety on regional roads where there are high instances of fatalities,” said WA Premier, Mark McGowan in a statement.
According to the state government, $12.5 million will go towards planning and progressing design for the Bunbury Outer Ring Road project. The Outer Ring Road is intended to improve safety for road users and reduce freight and passenger vehicle congestion in Bunbury.
The upgrades will offer an improved freight route, improving access to the Bunbury Port where truck access is impeded.
“This is a win for the whole of Western Australia, where freight, safety and congestion will be improved under this massive program of works,” said WA Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti in the statement.
“The Bunbury Outer Ring Road will improve safety around the port and have flow-on benefits for traffic congestion along Robertson Drive and parts of the Forrest and Bussell highways.”
Another $44 million will be spent on road safety projects in Western Australia’s regional areas, with another $33 million allocated for further work on the Outback Highway, pending the outcome of a strategic review of the route.
The funding will be spent over the next three years, generating 280 jobs.
A detailed works program will be developed in the next 12 month with delivery of projects earmarked for 2018-19.