Improvement works begin on major WA freight route

Improvement works have now started on the Mogumber-Yarawindah road in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia.

This marks the launch of the $87.5 million Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network road upgrade program which will aim to bring improved safety and efficiency to the key freight supply chain.

The Wheatbelt network comprises of 4400 kilometres of roads. The Mogumber-Yarawindah upgrade will widen 3.16 kilometres of roads and extend drain culverts creating a safer environment for freight vehicle operators.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the program would improve road reliability and better connect industry to markets.

“These upgrades will better connect businesses to domestic and international markets via Western Australia’s key ports, improving freight productivity and offering greater opportunities for business growth in the Wheatbelt region,” Mr. McCormack said.

WA Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said the state government had allocated record funding towards regional roads and identified a schedule of priority Wheatbelt road projects.

“The funding announced will help ensure the Wheatbelt’s crucial transport supply chains continue to improve, helping this key agricultural area to prepare for growth in trade,” Ms. Saffioti said.

The $87.5 million Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network program is jointly funded, with the Federal Government committing $70 million through its Roads of Strategic Importance initiative, the Western Australian Government committing $11.67 million and local government bodies providing the remainder.

The Federal Government committed $0.8 million towards the $1 million Mogumber-Yarawindah road upgrade, with the remainder provided by state and local government bodies.