The federal government has announced upgrades to the South West Highway near Waroona under the $55.25 million Regional Road Safety package.
The $2 million upgrade will widen and seal the shoulders of the highway from Waroona to Yarloop.
The project is one of sixteen regional WA roads earmarked by the federal government, in partnership with the state government, for road safety improvements.
“Renewing and expanding public infrastructure is a priority across the Peel region,” Mr Hastie said.
“I’m pleased the South West Highway is going to receive the upgrades it needs.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the 16 projects were selected based on an assessment of crash risk and road safety audits.
“From the Great Southern Region to the Pilbara we are improving safety and boosting freight efficiency for regional industries by delivering more accessible roads for heavy vehicles,” Mr Chester said.
“We are committed to better, safer roads to reduce the number of crashes leading to deaths and serious injuries.
“That is why we are investing in road widening, shoulder sealing, new overtaking lanes, intersection improvements and other important safety upgrades.”
The Regional Road Safety package is part of the $2.3 billion road and rail infrastructure package to improve safety, ease congestion and keep the economy moving in Western Australia.
The Australian Government has committed $44.2 million and the Western Australian Government has committed $11.05 million to fund the Regional Road Safety package
The upgrades will be undertaken between 2017–18 and 2019–20.
The stretch of South West Highway to be upgraded runs from just south of Waroona to Yarloop, passing past Hamel and Wagerup and stretching down to Yarloop.
Other regional road upgrades included in the package include a $2.1 million upgrade to Railway Road near Boyanup and $4.9 million to reconstruct, realign and widen the York-Merredin Road.
“Through this package, we are committed to tackling dangerous roads across the state by investing in road widening, new overtaking lanes and other safety upgrades,” Mr Chester said.