Opposition calls for Pinjarra Bypass fast-track

The state government must fast track the construction of a Pinjarra Bypass from the South West Highway to improve safety and amenity of local towns.

Shadow minister for Regional Development Nigel Hallett said it was disgraceful the Pinjarra Bypass was not a priority considering the traffic volumes in and around Pinjarra had already reached the levels the State Government forecast for 2021.

Mr Hallett also called for the urgent upgrade of the Pinjarra-Williams Road to include passing lanes from Dwellingup to Pinjarra and to expedite the development of a traffic management plan.

"The risk to safety with the Government's lack of action on these projects is frightening," Mr Hallett said.

"More than 24,000 vehicles a day currently used the South West Highway in and around the township of Pinjarra, with that figure expected to increase with the expansion of the Boddington Gold Mine.

"Despite the dire need, Alannah MacTiernan is sitting on her hands ignoring the issue. While the Government has announced a significant increase in its budget surplus and committed another $320 million to the Northbridge Link, they ignore the need for regional infrastructure that would help improve road safety in this area.

"It's yet another example of the Labor Government ignoring regional areas in favour of the city."

Mr Hallett also said passing lanes on the Pinjarra-Williams Road from Dwellingup to Pinjarra and finalisation of a traffic management plan was sorely needed with the projected increase of road trains along the route.

"The Boddington mine expansion may bring more than extra 30 road trains a day plus an extra 1,500 people travelling to and from the mine," he said.

"How is Dwellingup going to handle the noise and increased heavy traffic that will invariably pass through the centre of town? The safety of people shopping, visiting and doing business in the townships of Pinjarra and Dwellingup should be paramount.

"I hope Alannah MacTiernan doesn't give a repeat performance of her lack of commitment to the commencement of the Perth-Bunbury Highway, when there are such serious safety issues involved for the people of these South West towns."