Geraldton fatal black spot: Transport Minister Rita Saffioti inspects works at Barrett Drive intersection

Upgrades to the intersection where father-to-be Armando Trimocha lost his life in a motorcycle crash early last year are due to be complete late in July.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti inspected the $2.6 million upgrade work at the intersection of Brand Highway and Barrett Drive on Friday.

She said improvements included a separate southbound left turn lane from Brand Highway into Barrett Drive; widening the intersection; extending dual southbound lanes on Brand Highway past Lockyer Road; intersection improvements at Lockyer; and new median and island treatments.

“The McGowan Government is also working to deliver its $1.2 million election commitment to widen Brand Highway at the intersection with West Bank Road in Greenough,” Ms Saffioti said.

She said the works were included in transport upgrades worth more than $30 million across the Mid West, including roads, cycling and walking projects which were also due for completion in late July.

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These included $3.2 million to upgrade Brand Highway from Cooljarloo to Badgingarra; $4.9 million to upgrade various sections of Indian Ocean Drive and $13.8 million to upgrade 128 kilometres of Great Northern Highway.

Cycling from Cape Burney to Drummond Cove is to become a reality with an additional 10 kilometres worth $5.5 million to be added to Geraldton’s dual-use paths.

A further $44 million has recently been announced by the Commonwealth Government to upgrade Indian Ocean Drive between Jurien Bay to Brand Highway.

While in Geraldton Ms Saffioti drove part of the proposed Geraldton bypass corridor, and later met representatives of Walkaway Primary School and Parents and Citizens’ Association to discuss the proposed route.