- New acceleration lane to be constructed on Forrest Highway at Binningup Road
- Part of a $7.5 million State Government commitment for intersection improvements and acceleration lane construction along Forrest Highway
- Suite of upgrades will improve safety for those entering Forrest Highway from Binningup, Harvey, Preston Beach and Myalup
Work on a new acceleration lane on Forrest Highway northbound at Binningup Road is now underway.
The scope includes a free-flow left-turn lane for northbound traffic entering Forrest Highway from Binningup Road. This will continue on to a dedicated 700-metre acceleration lane on the highway.
Complementing the recently completed acceleration lane from Wellesley Road on Forrest Highway southbound, the new lane will enable motorists to reach appropriate speeds, improving merging safety with traffic already travelling along Forrest Highway.
In 2021, the State Government committed $7.5 million to deliver a suite of upgrades, including acceleration lanes on Forrest Highway and intersection improvements.
When completed, this commitment will improve safety and reduce delays at key intersections on Forrest Highway, particularly during periods of high tourism demand.
The current project will also feature new line marking, lighting and signage. Completion is expected by late November 2023.
Planning is continuing for another northbound acceleration lane from Forestry Road and Preston Beach Road, as well as intersection improvements at Forrest Highway and Myalup Beach Road. These additional works are expected to be completed in late 2024.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Our Government is aware of the demands experienced in our South West and Peel regions during peak tourism periods, and we are cognisant of the impact this has on our roads and the commuting public.
"This is the reason we have committed funding for a series of upgrades on the Forrest Highway that will improve safety and reduce delays at key intersections.
"We have already completed the construction of an acceleration lane from Wellesley Road to Forrest Highway southbound, to cater for the increasing number of heavy vehicles exiting the area east of the highway.
"Once works for the final acceleration lane and intersection upgrades are completed next year, road users will experience an improved journey."
As stated by Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:
"These upgrades are critical to the safety and efficiency of Forrest Highway, which is why our Government committed to, and is now delivering them.
"Locals know how frustrating it can be trying to merge onto Forrest Highway at some of these intersections, particularly during peak tourist season, and these changes will ensure their journeys are safer."
