Extra funds committed to accelerate Brookton Highway upgrade

17/1/05
Safety on one of the State's major regional roads will be significantly improved with the commitment of an additional $2million towards the upgrade of Brookton Highway between Corrigin and Hyden in Western Australia's southern Wheatbelt.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced today that $2million would be brought forward to allow the upgrade of a part of the Gorge Rock section of the highway to be completed this financial year.
Ms MacTiernan said the funds were in addition to the $13.468million allocated to the Wheatbelt South region by the State Government this financial year.
The Minister said the Brookton Highway - which is the most direct route between Perth and Esperance - provided access to the major international tourist attraction of Wave Rock, with over 100,000 tourists travelling by coach or car to visit the rock each year.
"The 112km of highway between Corrigin and Hyden includes 27.5km of narrow single lane seal, which is of a significantly lower standard than the rest of the road," Ms MacTiernan said.
"About 300 vehicles per day travel this road, 10 per cent of which are heavy vehicles including road trains.
"Additionally, a significant number of international tourists travel this road in hire vehicles - the majority of whom are inexperienced with this type of road and the mix of traffic."
Ms MacTiernan said the local authorities had approached her on the issue in 2001, and put forward a very strong case.
"Since that time, we have made sure that substantial sums were allocated to upgrade this road every year," she said.
This latest allocation brings the total Gallop Government expenditure on upgrading the Brookton Highway to $10.9million.
Ms MacTiernan said the Gorge Rock section, between the towns of Corrigin and Kondinin, was identified as a high priority due to a three kilometre section of low standard highway between Schilltz and Bartlett Roads.
"The Gorge Rock section, approximately 14km east of Corrigin requires a major realignment to remove three substandard curves," she said.
"Following talks between Main Roads WA and the Corrigin Shire Council, the State Government has brought forward $2million to allow this project to be completed as soon as possible."
Road improvements were recently completed on a 6.6km section immediately west of Karlgarin townsite, which addressed the highest priority section between Karlgarin and Hyden.
Minister's Office - 9213 6400