$40m boost for Ravy
The State Government has announced plans to build a $30 million heavy vehicle diversion around the north side of Ravensthorpe with construction expected to start during the second half of next year.
Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the 3.5 kilometre road alignment would take the pressure of the town’s steep main street that has led to up to 50 heavy vehicles a year getting stuck or losing traction on it.
“Currently, heavy vehicles have to travel through the centre of Ravensthorpe along South Coast Highway and up a 150-metre long, steep hill where many are stalling and requiring tow trucks to remove them from the hill,” Mr Buswell said.
“Trucks losing traction could roll out of control, posing a risk to businesses, which line the highway through the townsite, pedestrians and other road users.
“Also, there are considerable risks associated in recovering a stranded heavy vehicle from the hill with numerous tow chains snapping in the process.”
He said the bypass would improve safety for heavy vehicle operators as well as all other road users while bringing down costs for the heavy transport industry.
