Busselton Local Road Network Upgrades

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Consultation has concluded

Project Information - Busselton Local Road Network Upgrades

The Busselton Traffic Study has been developed so the City can plan for our future road network. The study outcomes have informed the development of a suite of road upgrade options suitable for staged implementation over an approximate 20 year timeframe.

With many of the initial improvement measures identified in the study (such as additional signage and minor intersection works) now completed or underway, the City is now undertaking more significant upgrade works.

Key components of this suite of upgrade works are identified on the map below. They include:

  • Strelly / Barlee / West Street Upgrade (completed);
  • City Centre Eastern Link (Stage 1 completed, Stage 2 Underway),
  • Duplication of Causeway Road (Rosemary Drive to Peel Terrace - service relocation already underway);
  • Construction of Ford Road
  • Duplication of Fairway Drive

Detailed updates on the road works (particularly in relation to the Eastern Link development) are provided below.

Project Updates

UPDATE - 21 January 2022

The City of Busselton has completed works associated with the development of the Eastern Link project Stage 1 on 3 July 2020.

As part of the works, Federal Environmental approval had to be obtained by the City of Busselton. Part of this approval Commonwealth Approval pursuant to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) was granted for the proposed construction on the 7th July 2019. Subject to Condition 7 of the Approval (EPBC 2018/8155) the proponent (The City of Busselton) is required to submit to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) an annual report addressing compliance with the Conditions of the Approval.

Please refer to the document library for the 2022 Annual Compliance Report for the Eastern Link Project. Any enquiries regarding this report can be made to Daniell Abrahamse E: daniell.abrahamse@busselton.wa.gov.au

UPDATE - 10 August 2020

Traffic monitoring undertaken since the bridge was opened at the beginning of July indicates that the Eastern Link (Stage1) is doing exactly what it was designed to do in terms of diverting traffic from busy intersections at Queen and Peel Streets and Queen and Albert Streets. 35% of traffic entering Busselton via Causeway Road is utilising the new link road and bridge. 41% of all traffic exiting the town centre onto Causeway Road is using the bridge and link road

We expect this to increase during peak season with many visitors opting to take his entry point which provides more direct access to caravan parks and the foreshore area. This will make a significant difference to vehicle congestion in the Busselton CBD.

Installation of the possum bridge which allows access across the river for the WRP and other wildlife, is currently underway.

UPDATE - 3 July 2020

Stage 1 of the City Centre Eastern LInk (Cammilleri Street extension and new bridge across the Vasse River) has been completed. The new bridge was officially opened on 3 July 2020 by the Member for Forrest Nola Marino MP and Deputy Mayor Kelly Hick. The installation of the possum bridge, which was an requirement of the environmental approval, was delayed due to Covid-19 but is scheduled to commence week beginning 10 August 2020.


UPDATE - 21 November 2019

City Centre Eastern Link is part of a series of staged traffic modifications aimed at reducing current and future traffic congestion into and around Busselton CBD.

The project will see construction of:

  • a second entry point into Busselton via a new link road and a new bridge across Vasse River;
  • a new road linking Rosemary Drive and new bridge over the Vasse River; and
  • new roundabouts at Cammilleri Street / Peel Terrace and Causeway Road / Rosemary Drive.

Time Frame: October 2019 - July 2020

Work Schedule: Mon - Friday (excluding public holidays) from 7am - 6pm.

Please direct any concerns to the City of Busselton on 9781 0444.

For more information on Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the City Centre Eastern Link Project, visit:

UPDATE -29 October 2019

Construction of the City Centre Eastern Link has commenced.

Stage 1 works are scheduled from October 2019 to July 2020. All efforts willbe undertaken to reduce noise and vibration during the works. Works will comply with the City of Busselton and the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations.

The pedestrian foot bridge across Vasse River (at Peel Terrace / Cammilleri Street) will be closed during somestages of the works. It will, however, be opened up whenever possible.

The old scout and girl-guide buildings situated at Rotary Park are being demolished failing several attempts by the City to secure interest in the free possession of the buildings through public tender processes. The demolition of these buildings involves the professional removal of asbestos materials.

Seventeen poplar trees will be required to be removed to progress these works. Poplar Trees suitable for transplanting will be relocated to other spots along Causeway Road along with additional mature saplings. This, along with a planned third avenue of Poplar trees which will be planted during Stage 2 works, will ensure the tree-line appeal of this key town centre entry point is maintained.

Upto 0.49 hectares of predominately disused rail corridor will be cleared to make way for the new bridge across the Vasse River and the new link road. Seven mature Peppermint Trees will be removed from the river embankment which the City concedes is an unfortunate loss. The City has done all it can to reduce the number of trees impacted by assessing all options for routes, minimising the footprint of the works and complying with all environmental approvals including:

  • Preparing a Possum Management Plan with the Department of Biodiversity,Conservation and Attractions and engaging fauna experts to ensure any Western Ringtail Possums in the area are sensitively relocated prior to works.
  • Construction of a possum bridge to allow for the safe movement of possums across Vasse River and Eastern Link once constructed, and
  • Revegetation and protection of habitat in the vicinity of the area being disrupted, in excess of the area being removed ( i.e. aroundPeel Terrace and Rotary Park public open space and East Barnard Park).

As a direct offset for the loss of these seven mature Peppermint trees the City is required to plant 428 Peppermint trees along with other native vegetation in the vicinity. This will, overtime, result in habitat that is significantly larger in area to that currently found in the area earmarked for clearing as part of these works.

The Carter’s Freshwater Mussels that were located in the Vasse River and listed as critically endangered in the environmental report have been removed by researchers from Murdoch University. These mussels have been relocated for the duration of the works and will be returned to the Vasse River once works are completed.

UPDATE - 26 September 2019

On 19 September the City received advice from the Minister for the Environment that the clearing permit to progress with the Eastern CBD Link development had been approved subject to environmental conditions including the development of a possum bridge within six months of the commencement of clearing.

The Eastern CBD Link will open up an alternate entry point into the city centre diverting traffic away from busy intersections at Causeway Road/ Peel Terrace and Albert Street/ Queen Street. The development will have an immediate positive and improve traffic flow in the longer term.

With the tender process now complete City will commence works for Stage 1 in order to take advantage of the dry weather. Stage 2 is anticipated to commence in the following summer season.

Stage 1 will provide a second entry point into the Busselton City Centre via a new link road and a new bridge across Vasse River. This stage of the project incorporates construction of roundabouts at Cammilleri Street / Peel Terrace and Causeway Road / Rosemary Drive. These works will predominately utilise the old rail corridor.

Stage 2 involve duplicating Causeway Road from Rosemary Drive to Molloy Street and commissioning the roundabout at Rosemary Drive from a single lane to a dual lane (provision for which will be made during Stage 1 works). The intersection at Causeway Road and Strelly Street will also be upgraded to a dual lane roundabout.

Before clearing commences the City will lodge a Possum Management Plan with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. City will seek assistance from local fauna groups.

UPDATE - 16 November 2018

Having considered the outcomes of further investigation including the results of an independent community survey, Council (at its 14 November 2018 meeting) made a determination on the progression of road upgrade options applicable to the Busselton City Centre.

The City’s approach remains based on undertaking a suite of projects over time. The outcomes of the traffic modelling and an independent peer review of that modelling, indicated very clearly that combining various scenarios presents the best way forward. Technical assessment undertaken indicates that the City Centre Eastern Link (Stage 1) combined with an upgrade to the intersection of Albert and Queen Street is considered the best strategy. Taking community feedback on board (refer to City Centre Road Network Survey Report) the City maintains that additional benefit can be achieved by also undertaking upgrades at the intersection of Albert and West Street and Strelly Street and Causeway Road.

Council resolved to (C1811/230)

1. Receives the City Centre Road Network Community Survey Report provided by Catalyse Pty Ltd as an informing document.

2. Subject to environmental approval and municipal funding resources being available in the City’s annual budget and Long-term Financial Plan; progress with Option 5. This involves:

a. construct City Centre Eastern Link (Stage 1);

b. upgrade the intersection of Albert and Queen Street from lights to a roundabout;

c. upgrade the Albert and West Street intersection; and

d. upgrade the intersection at Strelly Street and Causeway Road.

3. Subject to ongoing municipal funding, continues to progress environmental approval for the future development of Ford Road noting that this will require a new and different application to be lodged with the EPA (as per Ministerial advice 14 August 2018).

4. Continue to lobby Main Roads WA for improved directional signage on Busselton Bypass.

Click here to view the Council Minutes and Council Report which includes all the relevant attachments to that report. Including the City Centre Road Network Survey Report; Riley Consulting Traffic Modelling Peer Review; Cardno Traffic Modelling Reports.


Project Information - Busselton Local Road Network Upgrades

The Busselton Traffic Study has been developed so the City can plan for our future road network. The study outcomes have informed the development of a suite of road upgrade options suitable for staged implementation over an approximate 20 year timeframe.

With many of the initial improvement measures identified in the study (such as additional signage and minor intersection works) now completed or underway, the City is now undertaking more significant upgrade works.

Key components of this suite of upgrade works are identified on the map below. They include:

  • Strelly / Barlee / West Street Upgrade (completed);
  • City Centre Eastern Link (Stage 1 completed, Stage 2 Underway),
  • Duplication of Causeway Road (Rosemary Drive to Peel Terrace - service relocation already underway);
  • Construction of Ford Road
  • Duplication of Fairway Drive

Detailed updates on the road works (particularly in relation to the Eastern Link development) are provided below.

Project Updates

UPDATE - 21 January 2022

The City of Busselton has completed works associated with the development of the Eastern Link project Stage 1 on 3 July 2020.

As part of the works, Federal Environmental approval had to be obtained by the City of Busselton. Part of this approval Commonwealth Approval pursuant to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) was granted for the proposed construction on the 7th July 2019. Subject to Condition 7 of the Approval (EPBC 2018/8155) the proponent (The City of Busselton) is required to submit to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) an annual report addressing compliance with the Conditions of the Approval.

Please refer to the document library for the 2022 Annual Compliance Report for the Eastern Link Project. Any enquiries regarding this report can be made to Daniell Abrahamse E: daniell.abrahamse@busselton.wa.gov.au

UPDATE - 10 August 2020

Traffic monitoring undertaken since the bridge was opened at the beginning of July indicates that the Eastern Link (Stage1) is doing exactly what it was designed to do in terms of diverting traffic from busy intersections at Queen and Peel Streets and Queen and Albert Streets. 35% of traffic entering Busselton via Causeway Road is utilising the new link road and bridge. 41% of all traffic exiting the town centre onto Causeway Road is using the bridge and link road

We expect this to increase during peak season with many visitors opting to take his entry point which provides more direct access to caravan parks and the foreshore area. This will make a significant difference to vehicle congestion in the Busselton CBD.

Installation of the possum bridge which allows access across the river for the WRP and other wildlife, is currently underway.

UPDATE - 3 July 2020

Stage 1 of the City Centre Eastern LInk (Cammilleri Street extension and new bridge across the Vasse River) has been completed. The new bridge was officially opened on 3 July 2020 by the Member for Forrest Nola Marino MP and Deputy Mayor Kelly Hick. The installation of the possum bridge, which was an requirement of the environmental approval, was delayed due to Covid-19 but is scheduled to commence week beginning 10 August 2020.


UPDATE - 21 November 2019

City Centre Eastern Link is part of a series of staged traffic modifications aimed at reducing current and future traffic congestion into and around Busselton CBD.

The project will see construction of:

  • a second entry point into Busselton via a new link road and a new bridge across Vasse River;
  • a new road linking Rosemary Drive and new bridge over the Vasse River; and
  • new roundabouts at Cammilleri Street / Peel Terrace and Causeway Road / Rosemary Drive.

Time Frame: October 2019 - July 2020

Work Schedule: Mon - Friday (excluding public holidays) from 7am - 6pm.

Please direct any concerns to the City of Busselton on 9781 0444.

For more information on Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the City Centre Eastern Link Project, visit:

UPDATE -29 October 2019

Construction of the City Centre Eastern Link has commenced.

Stage 1 works are scheduled from October 2019 to July 2020. All efforts willbe undertaken to reduce noise and vibration during the works. Works will comply with the City of Busselton and the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations.

The pedestrian foot bridge across Vasse River (at Peel Terrace / Cammilleri Street) will be closed during somestages of the works. It will, however, be opened up whenever possible.

The old scout and girl-guide buildings situated at Rotary Park are being demolished failing several attempts by the City to secure interest in the free possession of the buildings through public tender processes. The demolition of these buildings involves the professional removal of asbestos materials.

Seventeen poplar trees will be required to be removed to progress these works. Poplar Trees suitable for transplanting will be relocated to other spots along Causeway Road along with additional mature saplings. This, along with a planned third avenue of Poplar trees which will be planted during Stage 2 works, will ensure the tree-line appeal of this key town centre entry point is maintained.

Upto 0.49 hectares of predominately disused rail corridor will be cleared to make way for the new bridge across the Vasse River and the new link road. Seven mature Peppermint Trees will be removed from the river embankment which the City concedes is an unfortunate loss. The City has done all it can to reduce the number of trees impacted by assessing all options for routes, minimising the footprint of the works and complying with all environmental approvals including:

  • Preparing a Possum Management Plan with the Department of Biodiversity,Conservation and Attractions and engaging fauna experts to ensure any Western Ringtail Possums in the area are sensitively relocated prior to works.
  • Construction of a possum bridge to allow for the safe movement of possums across Vasse River and Eastern Link once constructed, and
  • Revegetation and protection of habitat in the vicinity of the area being disrupted, in excess of the area being removed ( i.e. aroundPeel Terrace and Rotary Park public open space and East Barnard Park).

As a direct offset for the loss of these seven mature Peppermint trees the City is required to plant 428 Peppermint trees along with other native vegetation in the vicinity. This will, overtime, result in habitat that is significantly larger in area to that currently found in the area earmarked for clearing as part of these works.

The Carter’s Freshwater Mussels that were located in the Vasse River and listed as critically endangered in the environmental report have been removed by researchers from Murdoch University. These mussels have been relocated for the duration of the works and will be returned to the Vasse River once works are completed.

UPDATE - 26 September 2019

On 19 September the City received advice from the Minister for the Environment that the clearing permit to progress with the Eastern CBD Link development had been approved subject to environmental conditions including the development of a possum bridge within six months of the commencement of clearing.

The Eastern CBD Link will open up an alternate entry point into the city centre diverting traffic away from busy intersections at Causeway Road/ Peel Terrace and Albert Street/ Queen Street. The development will have an immediate positive and improve traffic flow in the longer term.

With the tender process now complete City will commence works for Stage 1 in order to take advantage of the dry weather. Stage 2 is anticipated to commence in the following summer season.

Stage 1 will provide a second entry point into the Busselton City Centre via a new link road and a new bridge across Vasse River. This stage of the project incorporates construction of roundabouts at Cammilleri Street / Peel Terrace and Causeway Road / Rosemary Drive. These works will predominately utilise the old rail corridor.

Stage 2 involve duplicating Causeway Road from Rosemary Drive to Molloy Street and commissioning the roundabout at Rosemary Drive from a single lane to a dual lane (provision for which will be made during Stage 1 works). The intersection at Causeway Road and Strelly Street will also be upgraded to a dual lane roundabout.

Before clearing commences the City will lodge a Possum Management Plan with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. City will seek assistance from local fauna groups.

UPDATE - 16 November 2018

Having considered the outcomes of further investigation including the results of an independent community survey, Council (at its 14 November 2018 meeting) made a determination on the progression of road upgrade options applicable to the Busselton City Centre.

The City’s approach remains based on undertaking a suite of projects over time. The outcomes of the traffic modelling and an independent peer review of that modelling, indicated very clearly that combining various scenarios presents the best way forward. Technical assessment undertaken indicates that the City Centre Eastern Link (Stage 1) combined with an upgrade to the intersection of Albert and Queen Street is considered the best strategy. Taking community feedback on board (refer to City Centre Road Network Survey Report) the City maintains that additional benefit can be achieved by also undertaking upgrades at the intersection of Albert and West Street and Strelly Street and Causeway Road.

Council resolved to (C1811/230)

1. Receives the City Centre Road Network Community Survey Report provided by Catalyse Pty Ltd as an informing document.

2. Subject to environmental approval and municipal funding resources being available in the City’s annual budget and Long-term Financial Plan; progress with Option 5. This involves:

a. construct City Centre Eastern Link (Stage 1);

b. upgrade the intersection of Albert and Queen Street from lights to a roundabout;

c. upgrade the Albert and West Street intersection; and

d. upgrade the intersection at Strelly Street and Causeway Road.

3. Subject to ongoing municipal funding, continues to progress environmental approval for the future development of Ford Road noting that this will require a new and different application to be lodged with the EPA (as per Ministerial advice 14 August 2018).

4. Continue to lobby Main Roads WA for improved directional signage on Busselton Bypass.

Click here to view the Council Minutes and Council Report which includes all the relevant attachments to that report. Including the City Centre Road Network Survey Report; Riley Consulting Traffic Modelling Peer Review; Cardno Traffic Modelling Reports.