Detailed planning work on the final stage of the Bunbury Port Access Road and the first stage of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road has commenced following the Rudd Labor Government’s decision to bring forward the necessary funding.

This decision will ensure these new roads are open to traffic by the middle of 2012.

The planning process – expected to be completed by the end of next year – will involve detailed design, geotechnical investigations, environmental assessments and land acquisition.

Once completed, this new infrastructure will deliver a smoother and quicker journey for motorists, and by providing a direct link to the Bunbury Inner Harbor it will also take thousands of trucks off residential streets.

At present the inner ring road carries 25,000 vehicles a day, including 5,000 trucks.

In line with our election commitment we have set aside $136 million for the project, with the Western Australian Government providing a further $36.3 million.

The current global economic recession will not stop us investing in the infrastructure vital to Australia’s long term economic prosperity. In fact by investing this money now we are supporting local jobs at a time when that support is needed most.

Work on Stage 1 of the Bunbury Port Access Road has been underway since February this year, with this section of the project likely to be completed by mid 2012.

Bunbury’s new Port Access Road and Outer Ring Road are two major projects being funded out our record $26.4 billion Nation Building Program which is delivering and maintaining vital road and rail infrastructure in every region of Australia.