Construction of the multi-million dollar project to ease traffic strains on Pinjarra's main drag could begin in the second half of 2020, according to WA Premier Mark McGowan.
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The Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation plan has been in the works for years now, and would see oversized trucks currently causing gridlocks on George Street and the South Western Highway bypass the town.
But a lack of construction on the project drew the ire of Canning MP Andrew Hastie last month, when Murray-Wellington MP and state Labor member Robyn Clarke wrote to the federal government requesting funding support for the Regional Roads Safety Package.
"It's been almost 12 months since the federal government committed $22 million to build the Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation," Mr Hastie said.
"That's a development critical for local road safety, yet the state government is yet to begin construction. Fully funded projects like this must be given priority."
Speaking in Pinjarra last Friday, the Premier was confident construction of the bypass would "meet the delivery timetable" of 2020/21.
"The expected start of construction is either late this year or early next year," he said.
"My experience with Main Roads is that they're very good at getting projects underway, so I am confident that they will meet that delivery time table.
"In addition to that, if the federal government wants to do an immediate stimulus program there's the Regional Roads program, which will save lives and create jobs."
Ms Clarke said the bypass was essential for Pinjarra residents currently caught in the "daily traffic chaos."
"On any given week the main road here will get closed off as a heavy haulage truck goes through," she said.
"There's been many occasions I've feared for my car getting swiped off the road, and it's not pedestrian-friendly.
"It holds up traffic on so many occasions.
"You come out here between 3.30pm and 4.30pm on any work day, and the traffic is banked up all the way down past the traffic bridge, past the railway line from all the Alcoa workers coming through.
"It holds up all the traffic in town."
Stage one of the project will cost $27.5 million.
Long term, the deviation forms a strategic link between future extension of Tonkin Highway and connection to South West Highway and Forrest Highway.
The Shire of Murray conducted a referendum on whether the Shire should push for heavy haulage deviation at the last local government election in October 2017, and over 80 per cent voted in favour of the project.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
