The state government of Western Australia (WA) has allocated around A$4.2bn in its budget for various road infrastructure and maintenance initiatives.

The 2019-20 state budget builds on the 2017 Boosting Jobs, Busting Congestion programme. It will focus on improving 25 major road projects in the state.

From the total amount, almost $2bn has been set aside for regional roads. Overall the road maintenance project is expected to reduce traffic congestion, improve safety and create thousands of jobs.

Premier Mark McGowan said: “Our investment in WA roads is seeing our transport network transform over time. Major roads and intersections are being built across our state that are creating thousands of jobs in the process.

“Importantly, our investment in roads means more Western Australians can spend less time on the road, stuck in traffic, and more time with their friends and family.”

The government has provided A$1.52bn for new road projects across the eastern and southern suburbs of Perth, including A$1.2bn for the Tonkin Highway Transformation Project.

“Major roads and intersections are being built across our state that are creating thousands of jobs in the process.”

As part of the plan, the Tonkin project will include widening, grade separation and extension works.

A further A$156m has been allocated to start construction on two major eastern suburbs projects. These are the Reid Highway duplication, between Beechboro Road and West Swan Road, and the Roe Highway-Kalamunda Road interchange.

Key projects also include the A$230m Fremantle Traffic Bridge replacement project, and A$215m for the 5.6km extension of the Mitchell Freeway from Hester Avenue to Romeo Road.

WA transport minister Rita Saffioti said: “The budget provides a major economic boost for Western Australia while improving general connectivity and the movement of road freight across the Perth metropolitan area and the state generally.”

Other important projects include the A$852m Bunbury Outer Ring Road, the A$310m to upgrade the Karratha-Tom Price Road,  and A$347.2m for continued improvements to Great Northern Highway (Muchea to Wubin).