The duplication of the Bussell Highway in Western Australian is progressing with construction on the final section of the project to get underway this month.
The construction contract has been awarded to MACA Civil Pty Ltd and the contractor will undertake the duplication of the remaining 12-kilometre section of highway between Hutton Road and Busselton.
The second stage of the Bussell Highway Duplication project will also include the construction of three bridges over the Abba, Ludlow and Sabina rivers. MACA Civil is also undertaking this project and work is already underway.
The two two-span bridges will measure 38 metres over the Ludlow River and 32 metres over the Abba River while a single span bridge over the Sabina River will measure 20 metres. The bridges are anticipated to be completed in early 2023.
The first stage of the duplication project was completed in December 2021, and it saw the construction of a new five-kilometre section of the Bussell Highway that stretches from just south of Spurr Street to Hutton Road.
In addition, a further three-kilometre section between Hutton Road and north of Ludlow River was completed in April of this year.
“It’s fantastic to see the project reach the final stage, but we’re already seeing safety benefits for commuters with around eight kilometres of Bussell Highway upgraded to date.
“Completion of this final section, including construction of the three bridges, will help make this iconic West Aussie road-trip more enjoyable due to the improved safety and efficiency for all road users.
“In its entirety, the project is supporting up to 570 direct and indirect jobs during the construction process,” WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
Meanwhile, earthworks to prepare for major construction on the remaining section of Stage 2 have been progressing over the winter months.
The entire project is expected to be completed in 2024.
The Bussell Highway caters to more than 15,000 vehicles each day and duplicating this highway will help increase its capacity as well as improve safety.
The Bussell Highway Duplication is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments.
“This is yet another great example of the Australian and WA governments working together to ensure the delivery of critical infrastructure in regional Western Australia ensuring a safer, smoother and less congested journey for road users to and from the South-West.
“WA’s South-West region is an extremely popular holiday destination with vehicle numbers surging during peak holiday periods to more than 23,000 a day, which is why this upgrade is so vital,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said.
Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Main Road Western Australia