A project that promises to divert 700 trucks daily from Pinjarra in Western Australia has found major support from state and federal governments.
The Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Diversion project will divert these heavy vehicles away from the town centre, improving safety and reducing congestion according to the Western Australian Government who is contributing $50 million in funding.
The Federal Government has committed another $200 million to the project which is expected to create more than 1,500 jobs.
New bridges over the Murray River and Oakley Brook, a new road between South Western Highway and Greenlands Road roundabout and improvements to the existing Pinjarra-Williams Road near the Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation interchange have been announced as priorities within the $250 million funding framework.
The Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation had been spoken about for many years according to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.
“I’m pleased we’ve secured $250 million to deliver Stages 1 and 2,” she said.
“Almost 700 trucks pass through the Pinjarra town site each day. This new route will remove those trucks from the main street, making it much safer for local road users and travellers.”
Subject to approvals, work on the project is expected to commence in late 2024.
Located some 82 kilometres south of Perth, Pinjarra is a popular town, according to Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke, for locals and tourists alike.
“Many people tell me how unsafe the heavy trucks driving through the centre of town can be,” she said.
“Removing these heavy vehicles running through our town site will make it safer, less congested while creating hundreds of local jobs – a big win for our local community.”