Upgrades to a section of the Great Northern Highway between Muchea and Chittering in WA, are expected to start by the end of 2018, with a contract awarded for its construction.

The $28 million contract awarded to deliver the works was won by WBHO Infrastructure.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack, said the upgrade would link directly with an interchange at Muchea, to be delivered as part of the NorthLink WA project.

“The upgrade will deliver 14.7km of new highway, including 3.7km of dual carriageway linking directly to the northern section of the NorthLink WA project, providing road users with a seamless journey,” Mr McCormack said.

Western Australian Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti, said the upgrade would improve road safety, traffic flow and access for landowners.

“The Great Northern Highway—Muchea to Wubin Upgrade will boost the safety and amenity of the highway, which is an important link between Perth and the state’s north,” Ms Saffioti said.

“Construction is also underway on sections of the Great Northern Highway further north, on the Miling Bypass and Pithara sections, upgrading another 25km of the strategic freight link.”

Federal Member for Pearce, Christian Porter, said the project would directly connect to the NorthLink WA project, which includes a new Road Train Assembly Area being constructed at Muchea.

“The Great Northern Highway is vital for the movement of equipment and supplies to the resources industry in the north,” Mr Porter said.

“The Great Northern Highway—Muchea to Wubin Upgrade is expected to support 2000 jobs during construction.”

State Member for the Agricultural Region, Darren West, said the project was a vital investment into road safety.

“The agricultural region has an unacceptably high road accident rate, and I’m delighted to see significant investment into our most dangerous country roads,” Mr West said.

The upgrade between Muchea and Chittering is expected to be completed by February 2020, weather permitting.

The $344.8 million Great Northern Highway Upgrade—Muchea to Wubin Upgrade is jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $275.8 million and the Western Australian Government committing the remainder.

The Australian Government recently committed a further $220 million towards the construction of the Bindoon Bypass, which will complete the upgrade of the Highway between Muchea and Wubin.