A joint funding commitment between the state and federal governments will invest $55.25 million into a new regional road safety package.
Federal minister for infrastructure and transport Darren Chester said 16 projects were selected based on an assessment of crash risk and road safety audits.
Visiting Boyanup on Tuesday with Federal Member for Forrest Nola Marino, Mr Chester confirmed a section of South Western Highway would be widened and have the shoulder sealed at a cost of $2 million.
A further $2.1 million will be spent to do similar works on Railway Road between Boyanup and Capel.
“From the Great Southern region to the Pilbara we are improving safety and boosting freight efficiency for regional industries by delivering more accessible roads for heavy vehicles,” Mr Chester said.
“We are committed to better, safer roads to reduce the number of crashes leading to deaths and serious injuries.
“That is why we are investing in road widening, shoulder sealing, new overtaking lanes, intersection improvements and other important safety upgrades.”
Western Australian transport minister Rita Saffioti said the projects included in the package had been prioritised based on factors such as economy of scale, deliverability and cost effectiveness.
The Regional Road Safety package is part of the $2.3 billion road and rail infrastructure package to improve safety, ease congestion and keep the economy moving in Western Australia.
The Australian Government has committed $44.2 million and the Western Australian Government has committed $11.05 million to fund the Regional Road Safety package.
The upgrades will be undertaken between 2017-18 and 2019-20.