Bunbury Outer Ring Road

We are building a 27-kilometre proposed free-flowing highway linking Forrest Highway to Bussell Highway. Providing an alternative route around Bunbury, the project consists of three sections – Northern, Central and Southern.

Overview

Northern Section - Forrest Highway to Boyanup Picton Road

Interchanges will be constructed at Forrest Highway, Raymond Road, South Western Highway, Waterloo and Willinge Drive.

Willinge Drive, one of the larger interchanges, will provide access to Bunbury Port. We’re also planning to extend Willinge Drive to South Western Highway, providing new access for the timber industry.

Central Section - Boyanup Picton Road to South Western Highway

Completed in May 2013, the four-kilometre Central Section included the extension of Port Access Road (Willinge Drive).

Southern Section - South Western Highway to Bussell Highway

The Southern Section will include interchanges at Bussell Highway and Centenary Road, and a connection to Jules Road.

There will be a full connection at South Western Highway, providing better access for Bunbury CBD and Ferguson Valley.

What's Happening

Benefits

Timeline

FAQs

Why is Bunbury Outer Ring Road needed?

There is already significant pressure on the road network around Bunbury, and this is projected to increase due to a number of factors:

Population growth in Greater Bunbury
Proposed development in Wanju, Waterloo and surrounding areas
Increased freight movements, due to mining activity and associated growth in Bunbury Port activities
The existing road network in and around Bunbury supports a range of vehicle movements, including freight and light vehicles, regional and local traffic. These combinations of vehicles on local road networks impact on road safety and amenity

As a Port City, Bunbury plays an important role in the WA economy. Twelve per cent of the world exports of alumina leave from the Port of Bunbury. The current access to Bunbury Port is problematic, and impacts on freight efficiency.

Currently, vehicles travelling between Bussell Highway and Forrest Highway have to navigate 13 sets of traffic lights and one rail level crossing.

When complete, between 10,000 and 15,000 vehicles per day on average are expected to use the new road. These regional / port movements would otherwise mix with local traffic on local roads.

What is the planning history of Bunbury Outer Ring Road?

The original concept for Bunbury Outer Ring Road was developed in the early 1970s.

The central section was completed in 2013, in conjunction with Port Access Road (Willinge Drive). This section links South Western Highway (south) to Boyanup Picton Road, and provides improved access to the Port from areas south east of Bunbury.

A northern section alignment was included in the Greater Bunbury Regional Scheme but has recently been reviewed.
The road reserve for the southern section has been protected in the Greater Bunbury Region Scheme for many years, however, it contains Matters of Environmental Significance and, as such, is being assessed along with an alternative investigation corridor.

How is Bunbury Outer Ring Road funded?

The project is fully funded with the State Government allocating $170.4 million (20%) and the Commonwealth Government allocating $681.6 million (80%) for its construction.

When will construction commence?

We are working towards having all necessary approvals to award a construction contract in late 2020. These include environmental and heritage approvals.

Does Main Roads already own all the land that is required to construct BORR?

We own some of the land required for the BORR. Further acquisitions are required and land requirements are being determined at present. We have contacted landowners whose land may be required for the project.

Project History

Community and environment

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Maps and designs

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Bunbury Outer Ring Road

Overview

Northern Section - Forrest Highway to Boyanup Picton Road

Central Section - Boyanup Picton Road to South Western Highway

Southern Section - South Western Highway to Bussell Highway

Preferred Proponent Announced

Northern section fly-through

Environmental Approvals Progress

Why is Bunbury Outer Ring Road needed?

What is the planning history of Bunbury Outer Ring Road?

How is Bunbury Outer Ring Road funded?

When will construction commence?

Does Main Roads already own all the land that is required to construct BORR?

Project updates

Media Statements

Community and environment

Maps and designs

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Concept Plan

Concept Plan

Acknowledgement of country

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Bunbury Outer Ring Road

Overview

Northern Section - Forrest Highway to Boyanup Picton Road

Central Section - Boyanup Picton Road to South Western Highway

Southern Section - South Western Highway to Bussell Highway

27

kilometre corridor

13

traffic lights bypassed

15

minute time savings

Community and environment

Maps and designs

Subscribe to Project updates

Concept Plan

Concept Plan

Acknowledgement of country

Tell us what you think

Subscribe to
Project updates