The future of the Margaret River Perimeter Road project looked bright on Monday afternoon following the announcement of funding for the second stage of the road construction work.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said works on the $22.8 million second stage of the road would begin in September and would remove a large amount of traffic from the CBD.
“The Perimeter Road will take the majority of heavy vehicle and inter-regional traffic off the main street of Margaret River, allowing visitors and locals to enjoy increased safety and amenity in the town centre,” she said.
“Completion of the Perimeter Road will enable the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River to commence its planned redevelopment of the town centre.
A joint venture between WBHO Infrastructure and SRG Civil will see stage two of the road built to connect to the 1.8 kilometre section completed in 2015.
Stage two includes a further 5.2km of the Perimeter Road, plus a new 2.3km section of John Archibald Drive to complete a connection between the Perimeter Road and the town.
Other key components include a 96 metre three-span bridge over the Margaret River and a pedestrian bridge on the Darch trail.
The pedestrian bridge was suggested by the project’s Community Reference Group and will connect to existing walk and bike trails.
The road is also expected to remove a high level of traffic created by tourists moving through the region to other destinations, with current travel options limited.
“Reduced travel times to other regional destinations and increased transport efficiency will provide economic benefits, including allowing producers to get their goods to market quicker,” Ms Saffioti said.