Shire president says bypass will make Boyanup safe

Capel shire president Murray Scott is calling for a bypass to be built around Boyanup to reduce the amount of traffic going through the town’s main street.

Almost 1300 trucks pass through the town every day, in addition to almost 7000 vehicles, and this is expected to increase with the proposed expansion of the Greenbushes lithium mine, Mr Scott said.

He said the bypass plan needed to be brought forward in order to improve the safety of residents in Boyanup.

“The ongoing increase in vehicle movements, especially heavy vehicles, through the townsite of Boyanup is continuing to place the safety of seniors and children crossing South Western Highway at risk,” he said.

“The long-term solution is for the construction of the Boyanup bypass road on the west side of the townsite, which unfortunately is not currently included on any of Main Roads WA’s long-term plans.

“The population in the area is also increasing with the lifestyle village down the road and more affordable homes for over 55s.

“We need to make sure this road is safe.

“The school is right next to this main road as well.”

Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said it was time to start planning for the bypass.

“Boyanup is growing and we need to make the road safe enough for the kids to cross the road,” Mr Murray said.

“Future planning needs to be put into place because otherwise it is going to be far too expensive, especially once areas get built up.

“Modifications need to be made to slow the traffic through town like a roundabout and at least a refuge island to make it a bit safer for children to cross.”