The biggest road project ever delivered in the South West region has been officially opened at a ceremony today, delivering a major win for Bunbury locals and people travelling to and from the South West.
Traffic will formally begin flowing on the 27-kilometre four-lane highway tomorrow, which connects Forrest Highway north of Bunbury to Bussell Highway south of Bunbury.
The new road is expected to divert around 15,000 vehicles from local Bunbury roads every day, reducing congestion and delivering safer and more efficient journeys for locals.
The road will also shave travel times to and from the South West by around 20 minutes, with drivers now avoiding 13 sets of traffic lights on their journey to key tourism hubs including Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River.
The new road includes five bridges, four grade-separated interchanges, and 19 fauna crossings, representing a significant investment in the region's transport infrastructure.
The Wilman Wadandi Highway project has also delivered substantial benefits to the local economy including:
- The creation of 4500 jobs during the construction phase
- More than $558 million has been spent with South West businesses
- $54 million has been spent with Aboriginal businesses
The opening coincides with the peak Summer holiday season, with motorists being encouraged to head to the Main Roads website to familiarise themselves with the new road before beginning their journeys.
Some minor works will still be underway across a range of areas including on some local roads, landscaping, artwork, and minor tie-in works.
The Wilman Wadandi Highway has been jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments, underscoring a commitment to the long-term regional growth of the area.
The Australian Government has committed $1.1 billion, while the WA Government has contributed $356.7 million to the $1.46 billion project.
Quotes attributed to WA Premier Roger Cook:
"Our WA Labor Government is delivering the critical infrastructure our regions need for the future.
"The Wilman Wadandi Highway will slash congestion in the South West, getting cars off local roads in Bunbury, improving road safety and shaving up to 20 minutes off travel times around the region.
"I want to thank the thousands of workers that have delivered this important project, which I know will make a real difference for residents, commuters and travellers in our regions."
Quotes attributed to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"The opening of the Wilman Wadandi Highway marks a significant milestone for Western Australia, representing one of the largest investments in regional infrastructure ever undertaken in the State's south west.
"This highway will transform travel for freight, tourists, and locals by reducing congestion, improving safety, and enhancing connectivity across the region.
"Projects like the Wilman Wadandi Highway showcase the Australian Government's commitment to building infrastructure that delivers long-term benefits for regional communities and strengthens local economies."
Quotes attributed to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This is another example of our Government delivering infrastructure projects that drive our economy, create jobs for thousands of Western Australians and set our State up for the future.
"We've seen significant growth around Bunbury and the clash of local traffic, with tourist and freight traffic heading to the South West was no longer sustainable.
"The Wilman Wadandi Highway will reduce congestion on local Bunbury roads and make the commute to and from the South West around 20 minutes faster for thousands of motorists every day.
"This is the biggest road project we have delivered in the South West, and will ensure our road network remains safe, efficient and reliable for many decades to come."
Quotes attributed to Federal Senator for Western Australia Louise Pratt:
"We all know life gets harder for locals on the roads when the tourist and summer season hits in our South West. The Wilman Wadandi Highway project, which the Australian Government is pleased to invest in, will make a huge difference to holiday makers, locals and freight operators alike.
"That's why the Australian Government is proud to be partnering with the WA Government to deliver the infrastructure that West Australians need, like the Wilman Wadandi Highway in the state's South West."
Quotes attributed to Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
"The opening of this project will be transformative for Bunbury and the South West by improving road safety and easing congestion for locals and visitors alike.
"The highway has provided a much-needed boost to our local economy, supporting hundreds of South West businesses, creating thousands of jobs and safeguarding the long-term future of our Port.
"As we celebrate this milestone, I thank the community for their patience and look forward to the highway's lasting benefits for Bunbury residents and businesses."
Quotes attributed to Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"The opening of the Wilman Wadandi Highway is a game-changer for our region, significantly improving safety and accessibility for South West communities.
"The investment in this project has delivered real results on the ground, from supporting local businesses to enhancing road infrastructure for future generations.
"This highway will make a lasting difference for our growing region, ensuring residents and visitors alike can enjoy safer and more efficient journeys."
Quotes attributed to Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:
"The Wilman Wadandi Highway's opening represents a brighter future for the South West, improving how residents and businesses connect with the wider region.
"This project is an example of how infrastructure can transform communities, from reducing freight traffic on local roads to boosting tourism in our region.
"As motorists adjust to the new alignment, I encourage everyone to drive safely, follow signage, and appreciate the benefits this highway will bring to the South West."
