Main Roads predict works on Wilman Wadandi Highway won’t be finished until September — 9 months after opening

Main Roads WA has predicted works on the Wilman Wadandi Highway — previously known as the Bunbury Outer Ring Road — would not be completed until September, nine months after its official opening. The finishing works, including barrier installation, signage, kerbing, painting and temporary traffic management, were expected to be completed by May but the timeline for minor works and landscaping has now been extended. A Main Roads spokesperson said traffic management would remain in place as required with the works now expected to carry on until September. As some relief for commuters, the spokesperson said both carriageways of the Bussell Highway duplication project were anticipated to be open to traffic by Easter. “Main Roads is continuing to work with the contractor to expedite completion of the Bussell Highway duplication project,” they said. “Two further sections of highway recently opened to traffic and work on the northbound carriageway between Ruabon Road and Sues Road is under way. “The Wilman Wadandi Highway has been open to traffic for over two months, delivering safer and more efficient journeys for both locals and travellers.” Premier Roger Cook and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti cut the ribbon on the $1.46 billion Wilman Wadandi Highway on December 15 last year, claiming it would “slash traffic congestion in Bunbury, improve road safety and transform the journey down south”. The four-lane highway linking Forrest Highway to Bussell Highway was expected to avoid 13 sets of traffic lights and a rail level crossing between the two highways and shave 11 to 18 minutes off travel time between the north and south of Bunbury. Early Main Roads data in January showed the 27km road had successfully decreased traffic volumes at the Robertson Drive bypass through to Bussell Highway and taken about 10,000 vehicles off local Bunbury roads per day. However roadworks in areas such as Boolyalla Bridge, Yalinda Drive and through roundabouts along the highway have slowed down traffic on the highway, with up to 18,000 vehicles using the road per day. In January, Bunbury MLA Don Punch thanked the community “for their ongoing patience” while works were being completed.