Highway Construction in line for $52m project

Highway Construction has been named as the preferred contractor to complete upgrades to Coolgardie-Esperance Highway.

The $52 million project involves upgrades to a 25-kilometre section between the Goldfields Highway intersection and Widgiemooltha, known as Emu Rocks South.

The Perth-to-Adelaide route is also a major freight route through the Goldfields-Esperance region, with about 2 million tonnes carted each year.

Heavy vehicles make up about 34 per cent of all traffic on this section, and 11 per cent is caravans, according to Main Roads Western Australia.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said about 290,000 vehicles used the highway each year.

“This critical upgrade will significantly improve safety for locals, tourists and freight operators alike,” she said.

Ms Saffioti said the project would also support local jobs in the Goldfields-Esperance region.

Highway Construction, if contracted, is expected to employ about 90 people to complete the works.

It includes rebuilding and realigning the highway, widening and sealing shoulders, creating passing lanes, upgrading intersections and relocating services.

The project is jointly funded by both the federal and state governments, at $41.6 million and $10.4 million, respectively.