More than $20 million has been allocated by the McGowan Government to fund critical road upgrades throughout the Mid-West region.
Upgrades already underway or due to be completed before the middle of 2021 are:
- $4.8 million worth of upgrades to Brand Highway between Cooljarloo and Badgingarra - works include 30 kilometres of widening and installation of audible edge lines. Work will start in November 2020 and is expected to be completed by April 2021;
- $2 million to upgrade the intersection of Brand Highway and Barrett Drive - preliminary safety works to commence next month with major works to start in January 2021;
- $10.1 million of upgrades to Great Northern Highway - 75 kilometres of widening and installation of audible edge lines in the Shire of Meekatharra. Work to commence in January 2021 and is expected to be completed by June 2021;
- $3.8 million to upgrade Indian Ocean Drive - includes 30 kilometres of widening and installation of audible edge lines in the shires of Gingin and Dandaragan. Work started in September and is expected to be completed in December 2020;
- $1.83 million - to install a roundabout at Durlacher and Maitland streets, in conjunction with the City of Greater Geraldton, due to be completed early next year; and
- $120,000 for North West Coastal Highway - This includes installing street lighting from Johnston Street to Utakarra Road. Works to start in December 2020 and are expected to be completed by June 2021.
Given the expected traffic increases during the upcoming Christmas holiday period, Main Roads will put in place a temporary restriction of right turn movements into and out of Barrett Drive by November 2020.
Major work will commence in early 2021 and will include:
- installation of a separate southbound left turn lane from Brand Highway into Barrett Drive, allowing clearer visibility for turning traffic;
- widening of the intersection of Brand Highway and Barrett Drive to improve safety of truck movements from Barrett Drive onto Brand Highway;
- extending the dual southbound lanes on Brand Highway past Lockyer Road, moving the merge point past the Lockyer intersection;
- intersection improvements at Lockyer Road/Brand Highway; and
- new median and island treatments.
As part of the visit to Geraldton today, Transport Minister Rita Saffioti met with local government representatives to discuss the Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Planning study.
The preferred route was defined by a Main Roads alignment selection study which was undertaken to identify a road corridor that could provide a long-term solution for freight, safely accommodate heavy vehicle combinations and remove heavy vehicles from town sites.
Following extensive community feedback and investigations, the preferred single corridor between Dongara, Geraldton and Northampton has been proposed.
Community consultation on the preferred corridor commenced in late September and anyone interested is encouraged to visit http://www.mysaytransport.wa.gov.au/dongara-geraldton-northampton before January 29, 2021 to have their say on the route.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The Mid-West region is a beautiful place to visit and very popular with tourists and locals alike.
"We have allocated more than $20 million to upgrade key roads across the region to improve safety and support local jobs.
"I am also looking forward to hearing from the community about the Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton route planning study.
"There is plenty of time for everyone to have their say and I would encourage all interested community members to provide their feedback."
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Darren West:
"The McGowan Government continues to deliver for regional WA.
"Upgrades to the Barrett Drive and Brand Highway intersection will make a huge difference for motorists.
"I'm proud to be a part of a State Government that delivers on their promises for regional Western Australia."
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Laurie Graham:
"Geraldton is a beautiful spot to visit and live - it's become even more popular as West Aussies 'Wander out Yonder.'
"It's important that our infrastructure keeps up with demand - that's why it's important all community members have their say on the proposed Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton route.
"We want to hear from locals and landowners to ensure we get this project right."
