Feedback wanted on Mid-West coastal route

Feedback is being sought from community members and stakeholders about options for a future coastal route between Dongara and Northampton in the State's Mid-West.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder announced the start of a consultation period which will identify preferred routes to meet future needs for moving people and freight.

"There are three options between Dongara and Geraldton for consideration and three between Geraldton and Northampton, which include upgrading existing roads and new inland routes," Mr Nalder said.

Acting Regional Development Minister Mia Davies said all options used the planned Oakajee-Narngulu Infrastructure Corridor, which is being proposed by the departments of State Development and Planning as an outer bypass east of Geraldton, as the central part of the long-term route.

The Brand Highway, between Dongara and Geraldton, already carries about 3,700 vehicles per day, of which 16 per cent are heavy vehicles.  By 2031, volumes are expected to increase by 60 per cent to about 6,000 vehicles per day.

The North West Coastal Highway, between Geraldton and Northampton, carries about 1,100 vehicles per day, of which one quarter are heavy vehicles.  Volumes are expected to increase to about 3,000 vehicles per day by 2031.

Interested people can provide feedback by October 2 by:

• completing the form in the newsletter to be delivered to more than 21,000 homes and businesses in the Mid-West
• completing the online form at http://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au  >Building Roads > Planning Projects
• speaking to Main Roads staff at the following venues