A BYPASS for New Norcia is included in the further $40 million pledged by the federal and state governments for upgrades for the Great Northern Highway.
Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss announced the federal funding last week.
He said the work would form part of the federal government’s $229 million National Highway Upgrade Program.
It is aimed at improving Australia’s key national highway networks.
The $40m Great Northern Highway project - made up of $32m in federal cash and with the balance coming from the state government - will pay for the bypass to be built in New Norcia and upgrades for the floodways between Meekatharra and Newman.
The member for Moore Shane Love was delighted to hear the bypass would go ahead.
“Mr Truss has given this project his great support and I applaud him for working to protect New Norcia - the only monastic town in Australia,” Mr Love said.
“Mr Truss and I met with the abbot in New Norcia who has been extremely cooperative, allowing the project to come to fruition.
“About 1600 vehicles use this stretch of road daily, the vast majority of them heavy vehicles and the bypass is an important step in preserving the town for future generations.”
WA Transport Minister Dean Nalder said funding under the National Highway Upgrade Program will support the national and state freight task.
“These Great Northern Highway projects will be jointly funded, with the West Australian government providing $8.05m, in partnership with the federal government’s $32.2m,” Mr Nalder said.
“This programme is another example of the Australian and West Australian governments’ commitment to building productive infrastructure for the local community.”
Construction on the Great Northern Highway New Norcia bypass and floodways projects are expected to commence in 2015-16.
