Govt approves $105M funding for Great Northern Hwy, WA

The Federal Government has approved $105.34 million in funding for three more upgrades on Western Australia’s Great Northern Highway.

The projects, totalling $131.68 million and aimed at improving freight efficiency and safety, comprise a 37.6-kilometre section of the highway between Muchea and Wubin.

It is is part of a wider $344.75 million strategy to upgrade the key corridor.

With the Federal Government investing $105.34 million, the Western Australian Government will contribute the remaining $26.34 million to the project.

Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said the latest works would upgrade three priority sections around Muchea North, Pithara and Miling.

“The works will include widening and new overtaking lanes, as well as bypasses and other realignments. Together, these upgrades will improve traffic safety and efficiency for our freight operators by better separating cars and trucks, and upgrading the highway to current design standards,” Ms. Saffioti said.

Once the upgrades are complete, road trans would be able to travel almost 220 kilometres close to Perth, decoupling their loads in Muchea.

Construction on the latest sections is expected to start by early 2018 and is due for completion by June 2019, weather permitting.