Traffic is now flowing on the Wilman Wadandi Highway (formerly known as the Bunbury Outer Ring Road), connecting Forrest Highway, north of Bunbury, to Bussell Highway, south of Bunbury.
The new 27-kilometre, four-lane highway is expected to divert about 15,000 vehicles from local Bunbury roads every day, reducing congestion and ensuring a safer and more efficient journey.
The road will also trim travel times to and from the state's south west by up to 18 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 highway is a significant investment in the region's transport infrastructure with five bridges, four grade-separated interchanges and 19 fauna crossings.
The Wilman Wadandi Highway project has also delivered substantial benefits to the local economy including:
- The creation of 4,500 jobs during the construction phase
- More than $558 million spent with south west WA businesses
- $54 million spent with Aboriginal businesses
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 committed $1.1 billion, while the WA Government contributed $356.7 million to the $1.46 billion project.
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.
