Works are ramping up on the construction of the final section of the Bussell Highway Duplication project, which is getting underway from this month.
MACA Civil Pty Ltd has been awarded a construction contract for the work, which will see the remaining 12-kilometre section of highway duplicated, from Hutton Road through to Busselton.
Stage 1 of the project, which was completed in December 2021, saw the construction of a new five-kilometre section of highway, duplicating the road from just south of Spurr Street to Hutton Road.
A further three-kilometre section of dual carriageway, between Hutton Road and north of Ludlow River, was completed in April 2022.
Construction of three new bridges along Bussell Highway is also well underway. Work on the two new two-span bridges – one measuring 38 metres over the Ludlow River and the other 32 metres over the Abba River – and the third, a 20-metre single-span bridge over the Sabina River, is expected to be completed in early 2023.
Earthworks to prepare the remaining section of Stage 2 for major construction have been progressing over the winter months.
More than 15,000 vehicles use this stretch of highway each day. The duplication will increase capacity and safety, including more overtaking opportunities between Bunbury and Busselton.
“It’s fantastic to see the project reach the final stage, but we’re already seeing safety benefits for commuters with around eight kilometres of Bussell Highway upgraded to date,” said WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.
“Completion of this final section, including construction of the three bridges, will help make this iconic West Aussie road-trip more enjoyable due to the improved safety and efficiency for all road users.”
The project is jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments. It is expected to be completed by late 2024.