Media Statements - Highway safety works in the Mid-West to be delivered this year

6/1/06

A package of road works worth $2.4million will help improve road user safety on the northern section of the Brand Highway and some associated main roads.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the works would provide an additional overtaking lane and intersection improvements at five locations on Brand Highway, from the Greenough Hamlet turn-off to Dongara and between Dongara and Morawa.

“These works are a high priority and will be completed by the end of June,” Ms MacTiernan said.

The Minister said the Main Roads WA term network contractor in the Mid-West region, Emoleum, would undertake the works, which would save considerable time in delivering the improvements.

The package would provide:

a passing lane on Brand Highway at Mt Horner, near the Matsen Road intersection ($1million);
an extension of the existing passing lane at Pells Bridge ($500,000);
intersection channelisation on Brand Highway at Pells Bridge ($200,000);
improvements to the intersection of McCartney Road and Brand Highway, also known as the Greenough Hamlet turn-off ($400,000); and
widening four kilometres of the Midlands Road, between Mingenew and Morawa.

Ms MacTiernan said the improvements would greatly improve safety for all road users, and in particular enable smaller vehicles to interact more efficiently with large trucks using these routes.

The five projects were identified as priorities through community consultation, including public meetings in Morawa, and will specifically address the iron ore transport route from Morawa to the Geraldton Port.

Minister's office: 9213 6400