The Western Australian Government has received an additional $142 million in funding under the Australian Government’s federal budget. This funding will go towards the state’s Regional Road Safety Program.
This new investment adds to the existing $455 million already invested in the program, with works from the initial investment already underway.
These initial works will see more than 7,000 kilometres of regional roads being upgraded with low-cost treatments. These upgrades are designed to improve road safety while create local jobs.
Annually, more than 100 people die on country roads with 60 of these resulting from vehicle run-off road crashes. This new funding is aimed at targeting such accidents, with works seeing installation of audible edge lines and sealing of road shoulders.
Upgrades under the $455 million are expected to be completed by July 2022 with the additional $142 million works continuing until 2023.
The WA Government is also expected to commit a further $50 million towards the program.
The safety program is also receiving support from stakeholders such as the RAC, Transport Workers’ Union and Western Roads Federation.
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