The $1.46 billion Wilman Wadandi Highway – the largest ever road project delivered in the South West region – is now open in Western Australia, with traffic flowing on the 27 kilometre, four-lane connection.
The new highway aims to provide a safe and efficient road network for freight, tourists and locals alike and connects Forrest highway north of Bunbury to Bussell Highway south of Bunbury.
The new road includes five bridges, four grade-separated interchanges, and 19 fauna crossings, representing a significant investment in the region’s transport infrastructure.
The new road is expected to divert around 15,000 vehicles from local Bunbury roads every day, reducing congestion and delivering safer and more efficient journeys for locals.
The road will also shave 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.
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Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the project caters for significant growth seen around Bunbury.
“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,” King said.
“This highway will transform travel for freight, tourists, and locals by reducing congestion, improving safety, and enhancing connectivity across the region.”
The $1.46 billion project has been jointly funded by the Federal ($1.1 billion) and Western Australian ($356.7 million) governments.