Further upgrades for Indian Ocean Drive

Major safety upgrades on a 33-kilometre section of Indian Ocean Drive, between Leeman and Brand Highway, north of Perth, are about to begin as part of a broader $55 million project.

The upgrades will widen the entire 33-kilometre section, realign eight kilometres between Eneabba-Coolimba Road and Freshwater Bay, and construct two new overtaking lanes.

A $41.7 million contract for the works was awarded to Central Earthmoving in December last year.

To enable the works to be undertaken safely, a 48-kilometre section of Indian Ocean Drive, between Eneabba-Coolimba Road and Brand Highway, will be temporarily closed for through traffic from April 2024.

While there will still be access for local businesses, residents and emergency services, all other motorists will detour via Eneabba-Coolimba Road and Brand Highway for about seven months.

The detour is expected to add 20 minutes to the average journey, but it will enable the upgrades to be completed in nine months instead of 12.

The latest upgrades follow the recent widening of 25-kilometres of Indian Ocean Drive between Jurien Bay and Greenhead last year and the installation of more than 200kilometres of audible edge and centre lines.

Quotes attributed to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

"The Australian Government is pleased to be partnering with the Western Australian Government for an essential upgrade of the most northern section of Indian Ocean Drive, enabling a smoother and safer coastal route to major centres north of Perth.

"Improving this top stretch of Indian Ocean Drive will deliver long-term benefits to residents and coastal communities between Perth and Dongara."

Quotes attributed to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Our Government places a high priority on improving the safety of Indian Ocean Drive, which is why we are delivering this $55 million project.

"Last year we completed widening to about 25-kilometres between Jurien Bay and Greenhead, and this next tranche of works will help to significantly improve the Leeman to Brand section of the road.

"Since 2020, more than $30 million of safety upgrades have been made to Indian Ocean Drive, including the installation of over 200 kilometres of audible edge and centre lines, construction of four overtaking lanes and the installation of safety barriers and new warning, advisory and multi-lingual signage."

Quotes attributed to Senator for Western Australia Glenn Sterle:

"This is a fantastic milestone for a project investment by the Australian and Western Australian Governments for the benefit of coastal communities along the northern section of Indian Ocean Drive for years to come.

"The Australian Government is committed to delivering the infrastructure upgrades that Western Australia needs to improve travel times and protect lives and this project is another fine example of that."