Published on Tuesday, 12 August 2025 at 2:10:01 PM
Being responsible for the largest local road network in Western Australia is both a significant undertaking and a considerable financial commitment. Still, the Shire of Esperance remains dedicated to improving road safety across its extensive region. Recognising the importance of safer conditions for road users, Shire staff have worked to identify and apply for funding through key grant programs to support critical infrastructure upgrades.
Thanks to these efforts, the Shire has successfully secured funding through the State Government’s Black Spot Program for Local Government Area Roads. The Shire appreciates this support, which will enable the delivery of two vital road safety projects in the 2025/26 financial year. These upgrades will improve safety and accessibility along key routes used by heavy vehicles, tourists, and local traffic.
Project 1: Oldfield Road and Rawlinson Road Intersection Upgrade (Cascade)
The first project will address safety concerns at the Y-intersection at Oldfield Road and Rawlinson Road in Cascade. This older style of intersection, located on Restricted Access Vehicle (RAV) routes, is essential for the agriculture and transport industries, ensuring that heavy vehicles can easily move between key locations. The current Y-shaped layout creates confusion about vehicle priority and increases the risk of right-angle crashes, particularly at speeds over 50 km/h.
To address these concerns, the intersection will be upgraded to a sealed T-intersection, clearly defining vehicle priority and significantly reducing accident risks.
The total project cost is $123,950 ($82,633 contributed by the State, $41,317 invested by the Shire), with works including:
- Rawlinson Road will be realigned to meet Oldfield Road at a right angle
- Drainage will be improved to enhance pavement durability
- New signage will be installed.
This upgrade is especially important for grain transport to and from the Cascade and Munglinup CBH sites, and for traffic accessing the South Coast Highway.
Project 2: Springdale Road and Doyle Road Safety Improvements (Munglinup)
The second project focuses on the narrow single sealed lane of Springdale Road where it meets Doyle Road in the Munglinup area. Safety concerns include poor sight lines, a creek culvert and floodway east of the intersection, and limited turning space for large vehicles.
This two-stage initiative has a total cost of $839,450 ($559,633 contributed by the State, $279,817 invested by the Shire).
Stage 1 will involve land acquisition and site clearing. Stage 2 will deliver physical upgrades, including:
- Widening Springdale Road to 11 metres
- Improving sight distances and drainage
- Shifting the intersection approach westward for smoother turns
- Enhancing right-turn safety and installing advanced warning signage
- Upgrading the floodway with guard rails and road markings
- Sealing a 600-metre stretch of road to 7 metres wide with 2-metre shoulders
- Replacing and enhancing signage for better visibility
Springdale Road is the primary access route to Munglinup Beach and its campground, a popular destination for surfers and tourists. Doyle Road connects the Esperance and Ravensthorpe Shires to the South Coast Highway, the town of Munglinup and the Munglinup CBH site, making these upgrades vital for both local and visitor safety.
These projects reflect the Shire’s ongoing commitment to improving road safety and infrastructure. We thank the State Government for its generous support and look forward to delivering these upgrades for the benefit of all road users.
ENDS
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