Key Benefits
Improving transport connectivity and road safety between the metropolitan area and the growing Peel and South West regions is a critical outcome of the NPBH.
Once constructed, the NPBH will provide a safe, free flowing alternative route for regional traffic, helping to relieve increasing traffic pressure and congestion on the existing coastal road and South Western Highway.
The trip to Bunbury in 2011 will be around 30 minutes quicker than using Old Coast Road as there will be no traffic signals or reductions in speed limit through urban areas.
These time savings will be greater during peak periods such as long weekends and major holidays, when higher traffic volumes traditionally result in traffic slowing to a crawl through Mandurah.
Other benefits include:
- reducing traffic volumes by redirecting regional traffic, including freight vehicles, from the heavily populated and growing areas of Mandurah, Dawesville and Pinjarra
- helping to relieve traffic pressure and congestion on the existing network
- creating an express route between Perth and the South West that will significantly reduce freight costs for farms and businesses operating within the region
- improving the link to the Bunbury Port, strengthening the port’s position as a viable alternative to servicing national trade opportunities
- enhancing tourism opportunities for the South West region by reducing travel times and maintaining connectivity to the region’s premier attractions
- promoting future economic development opportunities within the region through supporting local business and generating local employment.