The Safe System approach recognises that road users are not infallible; they make mistakes and errors of judgement. They also have a limited tolerance to physical impact forces.

The new approach directs us to provide a road network where mistakes do not lead to severe consequences. We can only achieve this by working to reduce the number of mistakes road users make and reduce the consequences of those mistakes. Actions to achieve this include:

• creating infrastructure that is easily understood by road users
• setting appropriate speed limits
• warning road users when they have made a mistake (for example, audible edge-lines)
• giving road users the opportunity to correct their mistakes (for example, sealed shoulders and clear zones)
• managing the severity of any resulting collision (for example, barriers).

Our ROSMA framework consists of policies, procedures and tools to integrate the Safe System approach as part of our everyday business. We have already:

• incorporated Safe System principles into the planning of a number of road projects
• developed a Road Trauma Risk Review Policy to bring Safe System principles to the forefront of road projects
• mapped the current level of road trauma risk on the State road network to identify areas of concern
• implemented a Communications Plan to educate staff on the new way of thinking.

Our South West Region team completed the project a year ahead of schedule. Works included:

• removing of a series of dangerous curves
• extending the existing westbound passing lane
• constructing sealed shoulders
• widening road shoulders
• building a 1 m painted median
• providing safety barriers.

The highway is now safer for road users and provides more opportunities to easily overtake slow vehicles. The new safety barriers protect roads users from vegetation close to the edge of the road and protect vehicles at steep embankments. The highway also now caters for increased traffic volumes, including heavy vehicles and oversized loads servicing the mining, industrial and agricultural sectors.

The project presented a number of challenges such as extensive earthworks in difficult terrain, an upgrade of road drainage and road gradient improvements. Addressing these challenges resulted in enhanced safety for all road users including commuter cyclists.

The project formed part of the Government’s commitment to improve the safety of Coalfields Highway and strengthen the connectivity between Wheatbelt Region and Bunbury Port Facility.