The Bussell Highway
The Bussell Highway forms the main route servicing the coastal strip betwen Bunbury and Augusta. The growing population, continued popularity of the recreational areas of the south west and steady increases in personal and commercial travel have all generated addtional transport demands. The existing two-lane road between Busselton and Margaret River is used on average by more than 4000 vehicles per day, with significantly more during summer and holiday periods. The overall crash rate for this stretch of road is similar to south west and state averages, however, the fatal crash rate is nearly double that of the state average for rural highways and main roads.
Improvements
In the last few years there have been improvements to a number of key intersections and road widening north and immediately south of Cowaramup, using Black Spot Funding, that will lead to reductions in crash numbers.
Main Roads proposes to upgrade the Highway with the construction of ten overtaking lanes and road widening at locations between Vasse and Margaret River. The first two passing lanes north of Metricup Road were completed in May 2006. Planning and design for further upgrades is well advanced. Main Roads is paying particular attention to maintaining and preserving vegetation in the road reserve corridor even though construction work may not take place for several years. Corridors have been reserved and roadside areas are being planted and established prior to removing exisiting vegetation that will be affected by the roadworks.
Assisting Main Roads with progressing the plans for improvements are a Community Liaison Committee of local representatives. The Committee meets both prior to an after phases of development and provide valuable input into proposed designs and coordination of construction work.
Further Information
For further information, contact: -
Gerry Zoetelief
Project Manager
Main Roads South West Region, Bunbury
Ph: (08) 9725 5677, fX: (08) 9725 5666
Email: gerry.zoetelief@mainroads.wa.gov.au