UPGRADE TO THE AMELUP CURVES COMPLETE

ROAD safety upgrades to improve heavy vehicle operations on Albany Lake Grace Road (Chester Pass Road) at Amelup Curves – in Western Australia’s Great Southern region are now complete, ensuring freight movements are safer and more efficient.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the popular tourist road was on a major freight route and had seen a number of incidents in recent years, including heavy vehicle roll-overs.

“Around Australia, the Liberal and Nationals’ Government is investing in road projects to ensure people can get home sooner and safer, as well as boosting productivity, especially in the regions,” Mr McCormack said.

“Chester Pass Road is a key transport corridor linking Albany to the Southern Wheatbelt, so these upgrades will significantly increase road safety for heavy vehicle operators - as well as for locals and tourists travelling to the Stirling and Porongorup Ranges.”

Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said the construction of two new bridges would increase efficiency for freight operators as well as greatly improve safety for all road users.

“Two new bridges were constructed over Martaquin Creek and Ongarup Creek to help mitigate the effects of flooding, which had been causing significant disruption to freight operations,” Ms Saffioti said.

Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson said the upgrade included widening and realigning four kilometres of road and improving drainage for two intersections between North Stirling Road and Smith Road. 

“I believe many road users will be thrilled to see these vital upgrades now complete and I thank local residents for their patience and cooperation during this time,” Mr Wilson said.

The $11 million project was jointly-funded, with the Australian Government providing $8.8 million and the Western Australian Government providing $2.2 million as part of the $55.25 million Western Australia Regional Road Safety Package.