Improved Traffic Flow and Safety in Margaret River

Construction of the seven-kilometre Margaret River Perimeter Road was completed in early February 2019.

Extending from north of the Margaret River townsite and linking back to Bussell Highway south of Margaret River, the road provides an alternative, high-standard, free-flowing route for heavy vehicles around the town, reducing congestion and enhancing safety for pedestrians and local traffic.

With 2.5 million visitors to the region each year, the perimeter road is the catalyst for the future renewal of the main street into a modern and attractive tourist destination. 

The perimeter road has improved traffic flow and efficiency on Bussell Highway through the town and reduced conflict between light and heavy vehicles in the main street.

Approximately 1,400 vehicles use the perimeter road each day and indicative counts show more than 20 per cent of these are classed as heavy vehicles. Consequently, the project is already meeting the key objective of improving safety by removing the majority of heavy vehicles from the town and, in turn, increasing transport efficiency for industry. 

A one-metre wide painted central median on the new perimeter road offers additional safety with greater distance between opposing directions of traffic.

From 2012, a community reference group provided input into the project, and was responsible for the inclusion of a pedestrian footbridge over the Margaret River.

The project subsequently included: a large roundabout at the northern entrance to town, a new roundabout at John Archibald Drive, construction of a new 96-metre long road bridge and separate footbridge on the Darch Trail, a new entrance road to the airstrip, and a wide sealed shoulder for cyclists.

During construction more than 20 local businesses were engaged, 120 local workers employed and
20 traineeships created. More than 60 local primary students were also involved in planting more than 1,200 seedlings along the road. Planting and landscaping works will continue over the next four years. A video of the works that were carried out is available on our YouTube channel.