Design contract awarded for widening of North West Coastal Highway and Onslow Road

A $755,000 contract to design and document the widening of Onslow Rd and a section of North West Coastal Highway has been awarded to Sinclair Knight Merz.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the contract involved the design and construction documentation for widening of the full length of Onslow Road (79.4km), and

North West Coastal Highway from the Minilya Exmouth Road Intersection to Barradale (14km).

"Main Roads proposes to widen the nominal 6.2m seal to a nine metre seal on a 10m pavement," Mr Buswell said.

"The widening of the roads will provide a safer environment for road users by providing greater separation between passing vehicles and eliminating the deterioration of the shoulders.

"This work will be especially beneficial for vehicles towing boats and caravans and improve road safety for locals, tourists and the increasing amount of the road's traffic.

"As a result,  transport and economic efficiency will be improved and the road will operate at an improved service level."

The contract commenced at the end of January 2011, with work expected to be completed by August 2011.

Main Roads Western Australia Gascoyne Region is managing the project.