First stage of highly-anticipated Bussell Highway Duplication project nearing completion

The first stage of a multi million-dollar duplication of a stretch of highway in the South West once touted as the State’s riskiest road could be completed in a matter of weeks. Phase one of upgrades to Bussell Highway — which links Bunbury to Busselton — are due to finish by mid-July, marking a significant milestone in the long-awaited $85 million development. The project will duplicate a 17km stretch of the highway between Capel and north of Busselton, which had been voted the riskiest WA road in an RAC survey. The section of road currently has nothing to divide cars travelling in opposite directions and was a hotspot for traffic jams because there had not been an overtaking lane. The first component of the major infrastructure project involves the construction of a second carriageway in a 5km stretch between Spurr Street and Hutton Road, which started in October and was initially slated to be finished this month. Preliminary off-road works for the second stage of the project, which runs between Hutton Road and Sabina River, are set to continue through winter. The addition of a second carriageway is set to increase the road’s capacity and safety during peak periods including long weekends and school holiday by providing safer overtaking opportunities in both directions. Main Roads said final works for the first phase were to be completed over July, which included installing signage. “Stage one of the Bussell Highway Duplication is on track for completion in mid-July 2021, provided the weather conditions are reasonable,” it said. “The program of works for the next few weeks includes base-course and surfacing work, kerbing and the installation of signs, barriers and guardrails.” Main Roads said motorists had been patient during the project, with delays set to continue until the completion of the second stage. “Motorists will continue to be delayed while roadworks are in progress because traffic management including speed restrictions remain in place for the safety of motorists and road workers,” it said in a statement. “The reality of major roadworks is they do cause some delays. “This is an unavoidable part of undertaking these types of projects. “We thank people for their patience as we undertake this and other major projects in the South West to significantly improve local transport networks in the region.” At the start of the project, Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the improvements would significantly reduce travel time between Perth and the South West. “This project, combined with the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, will save motorists travelling between Perth and Busselton at least 15 minutes — and likely a lot more during holiday periods,” she said. The Federal Government committed $68 million towards the project, with the remainder from the State Government.