Travel in WA's southwest will soon be safer and easier with tenders called today to deliver Stage 1 of the Bussell Highway duplication.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government was partnering with the WA Government to fast-track regional shovel-ready projects, getting the economy moving again.
"The Australian Government funding for this project is drawn from our recently announced $1.5 billion allocation to priority shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works," Mr McCormack said.
"We are continuing to roll out this type of major project nationwide under our $100 billion infrastructure investment pipeline, which is laying the foundations for economic recovery as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic."
Premier Mark McGowan said the works were also a focus of his government's post-COVID-19 economic recovery to create jobs and opportunities.
"This is just one of the major job-creating projects we have underway to support our regional economies and local jobs," Mr McGowan said.
"With construction due to start in October, 570 jobs will be supported over the life of the project."
Western Australian Minister for Transport and Planning Rita Saffioti said the project was part of $223 million of investment negotiated between the Australian and Western Australian governments as part of the local job-creating shovel-ready projects package.
"The $85 million Bussell Highway duplication will generate jobs and business opportunities while improving safety and efficiency for the more than 15,000 vehicles that use this stretch of road daily," Ms Saffioti said.
"I'm pleased we have worked together to get this project and many other important regional works off the ground, including the $100 million Regional Road Safety Improvement Program."
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories and Forrest MP Nola Marino said Stage 1 of the $85 million project involved construction of a five-kilometre section between Capel Bypass and Hutton Road, as well as reconstruction works, resulting in two lanes in each direction.
"Later, Stage 2 will see construction of a further 12-kilometre section between Hutton Road and Busselton, including the duplication of three bridges over the Abba, Sabina and Ludlow rivers," Ms Marino said.
"Once it's fully complete, the project will provide an uninterrupted, 46-kilometre dual carriageway between Bunbury and Busselton, improving travel times and safety for local residents and tourists."
The project is jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $68 million and the WA Government committing $17 million.
