The new 27-kilometre four-lane highway, connecting Forrest Highway north of Bunbury to Bussell Highway south of Bunbury, has this week opened to traffic.
Wilman Wadandi Highway – previously known as Bunbury Outer Ring Road – is the biggest road project ever delivered in the South West region of Western Australia.
It officially opened this morning, Monday December 16, however works on the road are continuing, with finishing works and associated traffic management measures continuing into early 2025. This includes:
- Pavement and kerbing works at Harris Road and Martin-Pelusey Roads.
- Finishing works to roundabouts and intersections, including Discovery Road, South Western Highway (south) and Willinge Drive/Lillydale Road roundabout.
- Installation of permanent signage.
- Completion of portions of the shared pedestrian and cycle path along Willinge Drive.
- Artwork on noise walls near South Western Highway (north) interchange and Harris Road.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said, “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.”
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti added, “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.
“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.”
The new road is expected to divert around 15,000 vehicles from local Bunbury roads every day.
The WA Government says the road will also cut 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.
Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke commented: “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.”
The Wilman Wadandi Highway has been jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing$1.1 billion, and the WA Government contributing $356.7 million.