THE proposed Pinjarra heavy haulage deviation has taken a big step forward with a $250,000 funding allocation from the State Government towards planning and development.
The Main Roads WA funding allocation was announced by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti and Murray MLA Robyn Clarke at Pinjarra this afternoon.
The funding will enable Main Roads to work with the Shire of Murray towards an interim solution to remove heavy haulage from the town centre.
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READ NOWLong term, the deviation forms a strategic link between future extension of Tonkin Highway and connection to the South West and Forrest highways.
The Shire of Murray held a referendum at the October 2017 local government elections on whether or not it should push for a heavy haulage deviation and 84 per cent of residents voted in favour.
Mrs Clarke said the community had made it clear they wanted the deviation.
“The planning and development stage is crucial to the success of the deviation as it would need to align with long term planning and the funding will ensure it is done correctly,’’ she said.
Murray chief executive Dean Unsworth said the main street would be totally congested in five years time should the deviation not go ahead.
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