Two key components of the wider upgrade of Great Northern Highway reached a major milestone following the official opening of the Miling Bypass and Pithara sections.
The two projects form part of the Muchea to Wubin upgrade of Great Northern Highway which is costing $347 million and supporting 1,600 jobs.
The Miling Bypass project provides nearly 9 kilometres of new highway, including two overtaking lanes and the realignment of 2.5 kilometres of side roads.
The opening of the eastern bypass of the Miling townsite has improved road safety by directing road trains and high wide loads away from the town centre and local primary school.
Road users will benefit from new overtaking opportunities and a safer crossing point at the Miling East and Miling West Roads and Great Northern Highway intersections.
The realignment of Miling West Road now provides the CBH facility with direct access from the north of the town and the Miling Moora Road has been realigned to avoid floodplains.
The Pithara project is now in its final stage of completion, with the majority of works opened to traffic. The project provides 10 kilometres of new road and has seen a further 6 kilometres of Great Northern Highway widened.
The upgrade also included two new overtaking lanes, new bus bays in Pithara and modifications to local roads to ensure safety for both local and highway traffic.
Finishing works will continue over the coming months to complete the outstanding roadworks, signs, line marking and landscaping.
Other projects between Muchea and Wubin are progressing well with works underway on Muchea North section and tenders for the Walebing Curve Re-alignment recently advertised.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments.
As stated by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack:
"Right around Australia the Federal Liberals and Nationals are investing in getting people home sooner and safer, and this is another part of that vision."
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The Miling Bypass provides an alternative route for heavy vehicles around the town of Miling, improving freight efficiency and creating safer passage for all road users.
"It also separates local and heavy vehicle traffic, minimising noise and vibration in the Miling townsite."
As stated by Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price:
"These upgrades are part of a long-term vision to improve efficiency and road safety on one of Western Australia's most important freight corridors.
"The Muchea to Wubin upgrade is improving an important link between Perth and the State's north and complements the NorthLink WA project."
