Highway upgrade

The Federal Government has moved to further improve wet season traffic movement along the Great Northern Highway.

The Bow River section of the Great Northern Highway, south of the Argyle Diamond Mine, is to be upgraded at a cost of almost $190,000 to prevent frequent flooding.

Federal Member Barry Haase announced the works last week.

Mr Haase said the stretch of highway between Warmun and the Lissadell turn-off would be widened to eight metres and the shoulders sealed.

"Water pooling along the edge of the road softens the ground beneath the bitumen, causing it to break up, creating unsafe traffic conditions for heavy transport and an increasing number of tourist vehicles travelling the route," Mr Haase said.

"A wider road with sealed shoulders will prevent undermining of the bitumen surface, while providing a safer travelling environment for those who use it.

"Safety and convenience are the real benefits to come out of this funding.

"It's vital that we create the safest possible travelling environment on our regional roads," said Mr Haase, who has been a vocal campaigner for government initiatives such as Roads to Recovery.

The upgrades are expected to be finished soon.