Work is still not complete on a 17-kilometre section of the Bussell Highway in Western Australia’s South West, over five years after the project was first announced.
The duplication of the highway between Bunbury and Busselton began in 2020 to reduce traffic congestion. While the road was officially opened in April 2025, final works continue, with lane closures and speed limits frustrating drivers.
A road sign with its completion date stickered over has become a symbol of the project’s repeated delays.
Community Frustration Over Delays
Capel resident Richelle Piggott, who regularly travels to Busselton, described the experience as “extremely frustrating.”
“It takes a lot longer than it should. There are so many signs, and I see drivers getting confused about where to go,” she said. “It’s a good project in theory, but I don’t understand why it’s dragged on for so long.”
To avoid delays, Ms Piggott has been using Tuart Drive — a narrow, tree-lined road that runs parallel to the highway.
Increased Pressure on Tuart Drive
Local Ludlow resident Scott Olney said Tuart Drive has become overwhelmed with traffic since highway works began.
“Before all this, people walked horses down Tuart Drive. Now, I’d say traffic has increased 500 to 1,000 per cent,” he said.
The road has become increasingly dangerous. In February, the RAC ranked the Bussell Highway–Tuart Drive intersection in Yalyalup as the third riskiest in the state. It has been the site of several fatal crashes, including the deaths of a motorcyclist in April 2024 and a young woman in a minibus collision just two months later.
Safety Concerns Mount
Mr Olney expressed concern about the lack of visible safety measures.
“There are no flashing lights, no clear warnings about the risks. It’s unacceptable, especially when the road keeps getting busier,” he said. “They’ve built skyscrapers faster elsewhere, yet this road project is still not done.”
Roadside memorials now mark the intersection, standing as grim reminders of the lives lost.
Government Response: ‘Staged Delivery’
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti announced last year that the duplication would be open by late 2024. While the highway was technically opened in April 2025, final works — including lane closures — are expected to run until late June or early July, depending on weather conditions.
A state government spokesperson said the project was always intended to be delivered in stages over multiple years.
“We acknowledge the inconvenience and thank the public for their patience,” the spokesperson said.
