Following the recent approval of $50million in funding for the 2008-09 Safer Roads Program, Planning and Infrastructure Minister, Alannah MacTiernan announced today that $1.5million will be spent improving the Minilya - Exmouth Road in the State’s Gascoyne region.
Ms MacTiernan said that $1.5million had been allocated under the program to construct two passing lanes on the Minilya - Exmouth Road between the Learmonth Airport and Exmouth townsite.
“With the significant increase in airport traffic due to the fly in/fly out operations in the region, construction of the passing lanes will provide safe overtaking opportunities and improve traffic movements to and from the airport,” she said.
“Two passing lanes will be built - one for northbound traffic and one for southbound traffic, which will ease the pressure for road users with up to 700 vehicles per day using the road during the peak tourist season.”
Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region, Vince Catania, MLC, said that the upgrade would benefit all road users in the region because safe access to the airport was vital for tourism, transport and commercial operations.
“Providing better overtaking opportunities will ensure that local residents, tourists, transport operators and mining company employees can all share the road together, given the vast mix of heavy, light and tourist traffic,” Mr Catania said.
Construction will be managed by Main Roads and is expected to commence in April 2009 and be completed by June 2009
Minister's office - 9213 6400 
