Get ready to experience a smoother journey through Western Australia’s South West! The highly anticipated Wilman Wadandi Highway, formerly known as the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, is officially opening its lanes to traffic on Monday, December 16th, just in time for the holiday season. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone for the region, promising a future of reduced congestion and improved travel times for commuters and tourists alike.
Stretching across 27 kilometers, the four-lane highway links the Forrest Highway north of Bunbury to the Bussell Highway in the south. The impressive design includes five new bridges, four grade-separated interchanges, and the elimination of 13 sets of traffic lights, making travel more efficient and less stressful. This strategic infrastructure project is set to divert around 15,000 vehicles daily from local Bunbury roads, significantly easing the traffic burden on the region. Drivers can expect to save up to 20 minutes on their commutes, depending on traffic conditions.
The impact of the Wilman Wadandi Highway extends beyond smoother travel. The project has created a whopping 4,500 jobs and injected over $530 million into the local economy, solidifying its role as a vital catalyst for regional growth. The project has also placed a strong emphasis on Aboriginal engagement, allocating $50 million to Aboriginal suppliers and providing nearly 200 Aboriginal workers with valuable on-the-job training through the award-winning Yaka Dandjoo program.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, and Regional Development Minister Catherine King emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “The Wilman Wadandi Highway represents a major milestone for the region, reducing travel times, easing congestion, and providing safer, more efficient transportation links. This investment is critical for long-term regional growth.”
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti echoed the project’s impact, stating, “This highway will transform travel in and around Bunbury, relieving congestion and improving safety for both local commuters and tourists. It’s a massive win for the South West.”
Community events and drop-in sessions will be held prior to the highway’s opening, allowing residents to familiarize themselves with the new route and access points. With ongoing minor works like landscaping and local road tie-ins, the Wilman Wadandi Highway is poised to become a vital artery for South West traffic, fostering a more connected and prosperous region for years to come.