Contract awarded for third stage of South Coast Highway works

• Western Australian company, Ertech Pty Ltd, awarded contract to complete third stage of South Coast Highway upgrades
• Construction will commence in November and is due to be completed in May 2021
• More than 150 direct and indirect jobs supported over the three project stages
• Key part of McGowan Government's $30 million election commitment to upgrade South Coast Highway

Western Australian company Ertech Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract for the third stage of the South Coast Highway upgrades in Kojaneerup.

Work on the section between Bluff Creek and Kojaneerup West Road includes road reconstruction, the construction of two passing lanes and road widening.

The McGowan Government committed $30 million to upgrade South Coast Highway at the 2017 election.

Since coming to Government, works have been completed in a staged approach with:

• Stage One completed in June 2019: Mead Road section - widening the pavement from 7 to 11 metres between Kilarney Road and Monty's Leap Winery, and construction of a westbound passing lane approximately 2.5 kilometres west of Kalgan River Bridge; and
• Stage Two completed in April 2020: Kalgan section - widening the pavement from 7 to 11 metres between Monty's Leap Winery and the Kalgan River Bridge.

Construction is due to commence in November, with completion earmarked for May 2021.

When complete, the $30 million project will have supported approximately 150 direct and indirect jobs during construction.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Improvements along South Coast Highway are taking shape, creating local jobs and opportunities for local businesses.

"This is just part of a job-creating, road upgrades package worth almost $220 million we have rolled out across the Great Southern Region.

"As well as upgrading South Coast Highway, we have also started works on the long awaited Albany Highway as well as $13 million being spent to upgrade sections of Albany Highway."

Comments attributed to Albany MLA Peter Watson:

"Upgrading South Coast Highway was one of my key election commitments and I'm so proud we are now at Stage 3.

"The construction of the passing lanes will benefit many commuters, given the area experiences a mix of tourist traffic and heavy vehicles.

"Completion of the third stage - and the overall program, will provide safer travelling opportunities, and improve transport efficiencies for everyone in our Great Southern Region."

Minister's office - 6552 5500