More works to upgrade Indian Ocean Drive in Western Australia will soon commence as part of the broader $55 million improvement works program.
The overall $55 million Indian Ocean Drive Improvement Works is jointly funded by the Western Australian and Australian Governments, each contributing $11 million and $44 million respectively.
“The Australian Government is pleased to be partnering with the Western Australian Government for an essential upgrade of the most northern section of Indian Ocean Drive, enabling a smoother and safer coastal route to major centres north of Perth.
“Improving this top stretch of Indian Ocean Drive will deliver long-term benefits to residents and coastal communities between Perth and Dongara,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said.
The next stage of works will widen a 33-kilometre section of road between Leeman and Brand Highway, realign eight kilometres between Eneabba-Coolimba Road and Freshwater Bay, and build two new overtaking lanes.
Central Earthmoving will be delivering the project following the award of a $41.7 million contract.
“This is a fantastic milestone for a project investment by the Australian and Western Australian Governments for the benefit of coastal communities along the northern section of Indian Ocean Drive for years to come.
“The Australian Government is committed to delivering the infrastructure upgrades that Western Australia needs to improve travel times and protect lives and this project is another fine example of that,” Senator for Western Australia Glenn Sterle said.
From April 2024, a 48-kilometre section of Indian Ocean Drive between Eneabba-Coolimba Road and Brand Highway will be temporarily closed for through traffic to enable works to be carried out safely.
The detour will allow the upgrade to be completed in nine months instead of 12 however, it will also add 20 minutes to the average journey.
The next stage of works builds on the recent widening of 25-kilometres of Indian Ocean Drive between Jurien Bay and Greenhead and the installation of over 200 kilometres of audible edge and centre lines.
“Our Government places a high priority on improving the safety of Indian Ocean Drive, which is why we are delivering this $55 million project.
“Last year we completed widening to about 25 kilometres between Jurien Bay and Greenhead, and this next tranche of works will help to significantly improve the Leeman to Brand section of the road.
“Since 2020, more than $30 million of safety upgrades have been made to Indian Ocean Drive, including the installation of over 200 kilometres of audible edge and centre lines, construction of four overtaking lanes and the installation of safety barriers and new warning, advisory and multi-lingual signage,” WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Main Roads Western Australia