Wilgee Civil took part in the Bunbury Outer Ring Road (BORR) Project initiated by Main Roads WA in partnership with South West Gateway Alliance (SWGA) and performing the final trim grader works needed to complete the project.
Bunbury Outer Ring Road Project
The Bunbury Outer Ring Road project is part of a wider intention to develop Bunbury. Linking the Forrest Highway to Bussell Highway, this 27 kilometer long and 4 lanes wide road has been imagined to provide more secured, fluid and efficient traffic but also to favour connection from the North to the South of the city as well as improving access to the city’s port and industrial areas.
Led by Main Roads Western Australia, this project is one of the biggest ever undertaken in the South-West. With a budget of $1.46 billion, the BORR project generated more than 4,500 jobs. The BORR Project was led with a strong focus on ensuring sustainable and positive impacts on both the environment and local communities.
Employment and training initiatives
Main Roads WA and SWGA have prioritised local employment and training throughout the BORR Project. They ensured that 10% of the workforce was previously unemployed, providing new opportunities for the local population. The project also collaborated with training institutions and programs such as TAFE and the Yaka Dandjoo program to develop a skilled workforce. These efforts aimed to create sustainable workforces for local businesses, ensuring long-term economic benefits for the region.
Environmental sustainability
To limit its impacts on the environment, the BORR project favoured eco-friendly alternatives and techniques opting for renewable energy options when possible, minimising waste and maximising recycled products. To reduce transport distances and gas emissions, equipment, products and materials were sourced from local businesses.
Moreover, to ensure the protection of local and native flora and fauna present on the site, infrastructures such as underpasses and overpasses were implemented, in line with environmental regulators’ requirements. Additionally, any valuable vegetation that had to be moved, was saved, recovered and replanted where possible.
Aboriginal Heritage and Culture
The BORR project was conducted in close collaboration with the traditional owners of the land to identify significant areas, promote heritage values, and incorporate Aboriginal cultural components into urban design outcomes through integrated artwork, interpretive signage, project naming, trails, and nodes.
Wilgee Civil & the Bunbury Outer Ring Road Project
As a civil construction company deeply rooted in the respect of the Aboriginal heritage and culture, Wilgee Civil was solicited to contribute to the Bunbury Outer Ring Road. Wilgee Civil took part in the project by taking care of one of the most critical steps in road construction — the final trim grader works. This process is essential for achieving the high-quality finish and structural integrity necessary for a well-constructed roadway.
Preparing the subgrade and fine-tuning it to the exact specifications required, Wilgee Civil’s expert team utilised Trimble UTS and GPS technologies to ensure the smooth and even base was laid for bitumen seal and asphalt. By accounting for elevations and slopes, the team ensured proper drainage and long-term durability of the roadway. Precision and attention to detail were required to lay this strong foundation for the road.
The completion of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road will significantly contribute to the development of Bunbury. By facilitating access to various residential, commercial, and industrial areas, this project will enhance connectivity within the city as well as the region as a whole. The improved infrastructure and accessibility will stimulate local businesses and the economy, driving economic growth. Furthermore, the project’s commitment to sustainable practices and community-focused initiatives will leave a lasting positive impact on the local population, environment, and businesses.
Wilgee Civil is proud to have contributed to this project which truly reflects, embraces and shares the values we hold at our core.