New overtaking lane for South Western Highway

4/4/03
Work has begun on construction of an overtaking lane on South Western Highway between Balingup and Mullalyup as part of overall safety improvements in the district.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said a $568,000 contract had been awarded to RoadCare to construct a new south-bound overtaking lane and extend an existing north-bound overtaking lane.
The upgrade will be completed in May.
Ms MacTiernan said apart from improving safety on this stretch of South Western Highway, the upgrade would improve transport efficiency between the two centres.
"This project was a priority identified by Collie MLA Mick Murray and the Donnybrook-Balingup Shire Council when Cabinet met in the South-West in February, and it is one that we have moved quickly to deliver," she said.
"It will complement other initiatives implemented or being planned jointly by Main Roads and the shire council."
In mid-February, Main Roads WA reduced the speed limit from 60km/h to 50km/h through the centre of Balingup in response to residents' concerns about vehicle speeds on the highway.
Main Roads and the council are currently working on safety enhancements in Balingup including intersection improvements, the first at South Western Highway and Jayes Road in 2003-04 with others planned for 2003-05.
Mr Murray said the overtaking lane was a major improvement to South Western Highway.
"I am pleased the Minister has acted quickly to address this issue, as increasing traffic including plantation timber trucks was creating a worrying situation," Mr Murray said.
Minister's office: 9213 6400