Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network

Project Description

The Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network comprises some 4,400 kilometres of local government managed roads that connect with state and national highways to provide access for heavy vehicles into the region. These roads are essential for supporting key freight supply chains including grain and mining related freight. They also support tourism in the region.

These roads form part of a whole of network approach in improving freight productivity in the region and enabling vital agricultural commodities to access domestic markets and international markets via key WA ports.

Upgrades will be prioritised based on linkages to state and national roads and highways and the rail network. Consideration will also be given to links to six ports and two livestock centres, as well as regional and metro grain receival sites, accessed by the producers of the Wheatbelt region.

The project will undertake upgrade works within the Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network. The works include the construction of overtaking lanes, road and bridge upgrades, shoulder sealing and road train assembly parking bays.

Benefits

The project will:

• improve road safety
• improve freight efficiency, connectivity and travel time
• ensure consistent Restricted Access Vehicles (RAVs) ratings across the network, which will provide improved access for agricultural and mining regions to transport hubs

Funding

The Australian Government has committed $150 million towards the project.

Timetable

The project has commenced construction, with the project expected to be completed by the end of 2026.