Builder announced for $852m WA Bunbury Outer Ring Road project

The major construction contract for the Bunbury Outer Ring Road in Western Australia has been awarded to the South West Gateway Alliance, taking the $852 million project a step closer to beginning construction. 

The South West Gateway Alliance is comprised of Acciona, NRW Contracting, MACA Civil, AECOM and Aurecon. 

“We are investing in our post-pandemic future by delivering lasting infrastructure which will kick-start our economic recovery and benefit Australians for years to come. 

“The Australian Government’s $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline will support our economy and create jobs, particularly for those in the construction and manufacturing industries,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

This multi-million-dollar project will deliver a 27-kilometre, four-lane section of high-standard road from Forrest Highway near Australind to Bussell Highway, south of Bunbury. 

The Bunbury Outer Ring Road is going to be delivered in three sections and will include the following works: 

Northern Section – Forrest Highway to Boyanup Picton Road 

• Interchanges will be constructed at Forrest Highway, Raymond Road, South Western Highway, Waterloo and Willinge Drive 
• A full connection at South Western Highway, providing better access for Bunbury CBD and Ferguson Valley 

Central Section – Boyanup Picton Road to South Western Highway 

• Completed in May 2013, this 4-kilometre section included the extension of Port Access Road (Willinge Drive) 
• Willinge Drive – one of the larger interchanges – will provide access to Bunbury Port. Plans to extend Willinge Drive to South Western Highway are also in the works to provide new access for the timder industry 

Southern Section – South Western Highway to Bussell Highway 

• This section will include interchanges at Bussell Highway and Centenary Road, and a connection to Jules Road 

“Investing in well-planned transport projects will keep the Greater Bunbury region moving and boost its status as a major economic regional centre while providing better road infrastructure for locals and visitors. 

“The project will deliver significant benefits for the economy both during its construction and once in operation, unlocking thousands of local jobs,” Premier Mark McGowan said. 

For this project, local employment and business opportunities will be a priority with a target spend of $300 million to help encourage and maximise local South-West industry participants. 

This project will also prioritise promoting and maximising local Aboriginal participation with a $20 million target spend for Aboriginal businesses as well as an employment target of about 60 full-time Aboriginal people over the three-year construction phase. 

The South West Gateway Alliance will also be committed to the sustainable delivery of the project by working with the local recycling industry. This will maximise opportunities to safely reuse waste materials from the construction of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road. 

The Alliance will now begin detailed design while environmental approvals from both the State and Commonwealth are being processed. 

In addition, a number of early works will also commence. This includes geotechnical investigations, planning for the relocation of services and meeting with local stakeholders. 

“The Bunbury outer Ring Road is the biggest transport infrastructure project ever planned for the South-West and will generate significant economic and employment opportunities. 

“We have worked hard to fast track this project so we can get shovels in the ground and work underway as soon as possible,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

According to Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories and Member for Forrest Nola Marino, the Bunbury Outer Ring Road has been a major project for the South-West region for several years. 

“This project has been planned for a number of years, recognising the significance of delivering vital infrastructure to provide a safer and more efficient road system for the South West region of Western Australia. 

“Removing freight and regional traffic from local roads will provide relief for local residents while maintaining easy access to Bunbury and other regional destinations,” Ms Marino said. 

Once completed, the Bunbury Outer Ring Road will provide new connections from Forrest Highway to Bussell Highway and South Western Highway which will improve freight capacity, efficiency and productivity across the South-West region. 

Tourists heading south will also be able to save up to 15 minutes in travel time once the Bunbury Outer Ring Road opens to traffic. 

“This new road will create new connections for Forrest Highway to Bussell Highway and South Western Highway. 

“It will significantly reduce pressure on Bunbury’s local road connections especially around Glen Iris and the Bunbury Regional Hospital. Local residents will see significantly reduced congestion within Bunbury as a consequence,” Bunbury MLA Don Punch said. 

The Bunbury Outer Ring Road is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments on an 80/20 basis, with each contributing $681.6 million and $170.4 million respectively. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Main Roads WA