The first stage of the Lancelin to Cervantes Coastal Road overlooking the Indian Ocean was officially opened today, four weeks ahead of schedule.
Planning and Infrastructure minister Alannah MacTiernan said the excellent progress on Stage One, a $20 million, fully sealed 10.5 kilometre stretch of road running northwards from just south of Lancelin, meant work on Stage Two could begin sooner.
"This first stage takes the road from Lancelin to the residential development at Ocean Farms Estate," Ms MacTiernan said.
"In June we will begin constructing Stage Two, a $110 million, 55km stretch of sealed road to Cervantes.
"Currently, the distance between Lancelin and Cervantes, via Brand Highway is 183km, the new road will cut this to 80km - a saving of 103km.
"Stage Two will complete Indian Ocean Drive, linking Perth's northern suburbs with Dongara and all the coastal communities in between.
"Indian Ocean Drive will give motorists an alternative to Brand Highway, a key heavy freight route.
"It will become a major tourism and recreational route providing access to fishing spots, windsurfing, wildflowers and the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park, as well as stimulating development along the coast."
The minister said other works to be undertaken as part of Stage Two would include: construction of sealed access roads into Wedge and Grey Islands; realignment of sections of Pinnacles Drive near Kangaroo Point and Cervantes Road; and connections to existing access roads into Hangover Bay, Pinnacles Desert and Kangaroo Point.
The project will be built under direct management by Main Roads, with completion scheduled for mid-2011.