The Great Eastern Highway upgrades are advancing with the awarding of a contract for enhancements on an 11km stretch between Southern Cross and Ghooli, Western Australia (WA). 

Great Eastern Highway spans 593km, connecting Perth to Kalgoorlie. 

Worth A$24m ($15.86m), the latest contract is part of the extensive A$250m upgrade initiative. 

The broader programme is aimed at improving road safety and efficiency through the Wheatbelt and Goldfields-Esperance regions. 

These upgrades encompass the addition of overtaking lanes, intersection improvements, bridge replacements, road widening, and shoulder sealing. 

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said: “In the past few years, we've also upgraded 193km of Great Eastern Highway in the Wheatbelt, including shoulder sealing between Northam and Walgoolan, upgrades between Carrabin and Bodallin and replaced four bridges in Coates Gully in the Shire of Northam. 

“We've also recently opened the new Walgoolan Bridge, which is another important achievement.” 

The latest awarded contract will focus on realignment, reconstruction, overlay, and 11m widening of the motorway.

Ongoing major works on the Great Eastern Highway include the widening of a 15km section around Bodallin and the construction of a new 2km passing lane.  

Additionally, near Moorine Rock Bridge, the road is being widened, sealed, and fitted with new guardrails. 

Intersection upgrades and the widening of Parker Range Road are underway, with an expected completion date in mid-2024.  

The upgrade programme is scheduled to continue in stages along the motorway until 2028.