Great Eastern Highway improvements
The Great Eastern Highway stretches 593 km between Perth and Kalgoorlie. It is a key route for vehicles accessing the eastern Wheatbelt and Goldfields regions, as well as being the main road link between Perth and the southern and eastern states of Australia. While several sections have received funding for upgrades, there is still 305 km where the age, standard, geometry and deteriorating quality of the road is resulting in relatively poor safety, increased travel times and vehicle operating costs, reduced reliability of ageing bridges and relatively high road maintenance costs.
The proposal relates to the 223 km section to the east of Northam, and the 82 km section to the west of Kalgoorlie.
Strategic Fit
The proposal will support key Australian Government and Western Australian Government strategies through freight productivity enhancements and improvements to road safety. This includes the 2021 Australian Infrastructure Plan, National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, National Land Freight Strategy, Western Australia Regional Freight Network Plan, State Planning Strategy 2050 and Main Roads WA Strategic Asset Plan.
Societal Impact
The Great Eastern Highway is part of the National Land Transport Network. The value of the problem is estimated to be nationally significant in the longer term based on the avoided costs of crashes, and vehicle operating cost savings. Benefits associated with reduced travel time and improved reliability, as well as reduced maintenance costs, are also likely to be achieved.
Deliverability
Selective upgrading of the Great Eastern Highway is an appropriate response to the problems identified, and will be investigated and delivered by Main Roads WA. Upgrades to the two sections should be consistent and
integrated with the upgrades occurring in the section between them.
Proponent to identify and analyse potential investment options (Stage 2 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework).
Refer to Infrastructure Glossary for terms and definitions.