The WA Government has pledged $5.3 billion to go towards regional roads over the next four years, in the 2023-24 State Budget.
The funding will be used to improve and renew the state’s road infrastructure.
Major State-Commonwealth regional road projects funded in the 2023-24 budget include:
- $215 million for the Albany Ring Road;
- $76 million for the Port Hedland Airport Deviation;
- $115 million for the Bussell Highway Duplication;
- $55 million for the Indian Ocean Drive – Jurien Bay to Brand Highway;
- $1.35 billion for the Bunbury Outer Ring Road;
- $380 million for the Manuwarra Red Dog Highway (Stage 4);
- $120 million for the Marble Bar Road Upgrade;
- $275 million for the Great Northern Highway – Bindoon Bypass – Construct new alignment; and
- $250 million Great Eastern Highway upgrades at Coates Gully between Walgoolan and Southern Cross and from Ghooli to Benari.
“This budget continues our government’s strong focus on delivering improved road infrastructure in regional WA,” said Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.
“The projects we are delivering will cut travel times, make our roads safer, and drive economic growth by improving the movement of freight by road, providing opportunities for local businesses and creating local jobs.
“The investment is also focussed on building resilience in our supply chains, by sealing key arterial routes like the Tanami Road and Outback Way.”
Of the $542.75 million funding committed by the Australian and State Government towards sealing the 311km section of Tanami Road in Western Australia, $110 million is allocated over the next four years. Road works are planned to commence in mid-2023.
Road safety funding for WA regional programs over the next four years will include:
- $162 million for the Safer Roads and Bridges Program;
- $299 million for the Resealing Program; and
- $20 million for the Rail Crossing program.
A further $175 million will be invested in the jointly-funded State-Commonwealth Regional Road Safety Program, with around 8500km of regional roads to be upgraded by mid-2025.