Main Roads acknowledges slow going on Caves Road

Main Roads WA has conceded the State Government has again failed to fund its masterplan for Caves Road from Yallingup to Margaret River, including a keenly sought-after roundabout project in Yallingup, at the same time as it opposed heritage the road. The agency this week confirmed the State Budget did not include money “to progress planning activities for the Caves Road upgrade project or the Yallingup roundabout project”. While not the end of works planned for the route, the news marked the lack of progress on the ambitious overhaul first reported by the Times in March 2018 despite regular meetings, formation of a stakeholder group, and Shire of Augusta-Margaret River councillors undertaking site tours. Community views on the upgrade project were split, with many supporting speed reductions introduced on the busy route last year. At the same time, winery and tourism operators voiced frustration at getting their individual access concerns addressed. The Times first reported the project would see clearances of up to 15m in some locations, but later in 2018, Main Roads said those concerns were unfounded. This week, Main Roads told the Times it was still undertaking planning and advancing improvement works in consultation with its stakeholder working group. Those plans included: Producing a concept design for wider lanes with sealed shoulders; Developing designs and environmental impact assessments for pull-over and passing bays; Developing a bridge maintenance program and completing a review of signs; and Developing a priority list of intersection improvements. The agency also said background work was progressing on the roundabout planned near Yallingup Hall, subject to urgent calls from residents since 2019.