The federal government committed $10 million dollars in funding to upgrade the section of the Western Highway known for its heavy traffic and high incident rate.

The state government is committing the additional $10 million dollars to the project. 

Improvements will be aimed at the roundabout at O’Callaghans Parade in Horsham, more visible traffic signals and pavement upgrades at various locations right through to the South Australian border.

Member for Mallee Andrew Broad said the upgrades were vital to this section of road to improve safety concerns.

“Tragically this section of the Western Highway has seen seven fatalities between mid- 2011 and mid-2016,” he said.

“So the safety upgrades included in this project are particularly important.

“This highway is home to a lot of heavy traffic, linking up to freight routes across the Wimmera Mallee region, upgrading the highway not only means improved safety but improved freight and passenger connectivity.”

Drivers can expect fewer closures for maintenance works in the future as the upgrades aim to address issues with the roads surface all the way to the South Australian border.

Work on the upgrade is expected to begin in late 2017 with completion due in late 2020.