Local company awarded $30M upgrade to South Coast Highway in WA

The contract for the third stage of the $30 million upgrade to the South Coast Highway in WA has been awarded to a local contractor.

Western Australian company Ertech Pty Ltd will undertake the works in Kojaneerup.

The project will include road reconstruction, the construction of two passing lanes and road widening works.

Works have so far been completed in a staged approach with:

Stage One completed in June 2019: Mead Road section – widening the pavement from seven to 11 metres between Kilarney Road and Monty’s Leap Winery, and construction of a westbound passing lane approximately 2.5 kilometres west of Kalgan River Bridge; and
Stage Two completed in April 2020: Kalgan section – widening the pavement from seven to 11 metres between Monty’s Leap Winery and the Kalgan River Bridge.

Construction of Stage Three is set to begin in November and be completed in May 2021.

Upon completion the upgrade is expected to have supported 150 direct and indirect jobs.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said improvements along South Coast Highway are taking shape, creating local jobs and opportunities for local businesses.

“As well as upgrading South Coast Highway, we have also started works on the long awaited Albany Highway as well as $13 million being spent to upgrade sections of Albany Highway,” she said.

Albany MLA Peter Watson said the construction of the passing lanes will benefit many commuters, given the area experiences a mix of tourist traffic and heavy vehicles.

“Completion of the third stage – and the overall program, will provide safer travelling opportunities, and improve transport efficiencies for everyone in our Great Southern Region,” he said.