THE Coolgardie-Esperance Highway will receive a much needed intersection upgrade following the announcement of a $1.35 million contract to improve the safety of the road was announced by Transport Minister Simon O’Brien on Monday.

Mr O’Brien said the project involved realigning the road and upgrading facilities between the railway line and highway near Grass Patch, South of Salmon Gums.

“There is a safety issue at the moment for 36.5 metre road trains using the railway crossing at the Tom Starcevich Road intersection.

“The work will help alleviate this issue by providing a left turn arrow and bulb on the western side to accommodate road trains entering from the side road, and provide adequate stacking distance for a 36.5 metre road train.”

Member for Eyre Dr Graham Jacobs said it was a solid step forward for road safety in Grass Patch and for all users of this main transport link between Esperance and the Goldfields.

Work is expected to be completed by the end of February 2009.