Another passing lane for South Coast Highway

Safety will be improved on the South Coast Highway with a contract awarded to build an east bound passing lane, approximately 800m east of Young River Bridge at Yerritup.

Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said Macmahon had been awarded a $1.77million contract to build the 2.29km passing lane.

"This work is in addition to the recently constructed passing lanes at Munglinup and forms part of a series of improvement works carried out over recent years," Mr O'Brien said.

"The works are expected to improve safety by providing increased overtaking opportunities on this section of the highway.

"It is part of an overall strategy to improve road safety along the South Coast Highway due to the increase in traffic movements from the expanding mining operations in the area.

"The works are being funded by Main Roads WA and BHP Billiton, a beneficiary of the safety improvement works."

The contract is expected to be completed by the end of December 2008.

Minister's office - 9213 6400