Following the appointment of Raubex Construction Pty Ltd as builder, construction is now underway on the first stage of the $85 million Bussell Highway Duplication in Western Australia’s South West region.
The Australian and Western Australian Governments are partnering together to fast-track the delivery of regional projects – including the Bussell Highway Duplication – to help jump-start the local economy.
“The Australian Government’s funding for this project is drawn from our recently announced $1.5 billion allocation to priority shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works.
“We are investing in our post-pandemic future by delivering lasting infrastructure which will kick-start our economic recovery and benefit Australians for years to come,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.
Duplication of the 17-kilometre section of Bussell Highway is going to be undertaken in two stages:
“We completed $4.5 million worth of pre-loading works earlier this year which has allowed us to award the contract for Stage 1 works three months earlier than planned.
“This project will support 570 direct and indirect jobs while also improving safety and easing congestion. Along with other major projects such as Bunbury Outer Ring Road, we are creating the biggest infrastructure boost the South West has ever seen,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
Approximately $750 million has been invested by the Federal Government on major road projects in the South West, including the Bunbury Outer Ring Road and the Bussell Highway Duplication.
Once completed, the duplicated section of road will help relieve the bottleneck between Capel and Busselton that was previously voted as the State’s riskiest road in an RAC survey.
“Over 15,000 vehicles use this section of Bussell Highway each day and the upgrades will improve safety for general and freight road users.
“I’m focused on the level of local procurement, local jobs and local contractors that will be working on both of these projects,” Federal Member for Forrest Nola Marino said.
Major construction is now underway on Stage 1 of the Bussell Highway Duplication and it is due for completion in mid-2021 while preparation works – including design and environmental approvals – will continue for Stage 2.
“With construction on the duplication starting and the Bunbury Outer Ring Road construction starting next year, travel within the South West region will soon become safer than ever before,” State Member for Bunbury Don Punch said.
“We know how popular the South West of WA is and this additional lane will make a big difference for that peak period holiday traffic,” State Member for Collie-Preston Mick Murray said.
The Bussell Highway Duplication project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, each contributing $68 million and $17 million respectively.
Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Main Roads WA; Busselton Mail