Forrest Highway: A Journey Through Time
Imagine driving down a highway that has seen centuries of change, from its humble beginnings as an old coast road in the 1840s to today’s modern dual carriageway. Forrest Highway is more than just a route; it’s a story of progress and transformation.
The Early Days
Back in the early days, traveling from Perth to Bunbury was no easy feat. The original route, Old Coast Road, took four grueling days to cover around 130 kilometers (80 miles). Can you imagine? It’s hard to fathom how people managed it! But then, a surveyor named Clifton came along and cleared paths, making the journey much more manageable in just 32 hours. That’s quite an improvement!
Upgrades and Improvements
The early 1950s marked the beginning of significant upgrades to Old Coast Road. By September 1969, it had been transformed into a sealed road, making travel much safer and more efficient. Over the years, the state government continued to invest in improvements, including dual carriageways and bypasses around Australind and Dawesville.
Modern Times
In 2009, Forrest Highway was officially renamed from Old Coast Road. Today, it’s a 95-kilometre-long highway that connects Perth’s Kwinana Freeway to Bunbury. It features two lanes in each direction separated by a wide median strip, making it a modern and efficient route for both locals and tourists.
Scenic Routes
The road travels through rural farmland and scenic areas like the Murray River and Harvey Estuary. The countryside is mostly tuart, jarrah, and marri forest, with some wetland vegetation and cleared farming land. It’s a beautiful drive that offers plenty of opportunities for nature lovers to enjoy the scenery.
Future Plans
A bypass is planned for the southern portion of the road near Australind to connect with the Bunbury Outer Ring Road when it opens in 2024. This will split the highway into two sections, providing even more efficient travel options and reducing traffic congestion.
Impact on Local Communities
The opening of Forrest Highway had a significant impact on local communities. Average daily traffic volume north of Old Bunbury Road increased from 9,680 vehicles in 2009 to over 17,000 by 2014. While this brought more economic opportunities, it also posed challenges for roadside facilities and services.
Renaming and Recognition
In June 2014, the Geographic Names Committee renamed connecting roads as part of Forrest Highway to avoid public confusion. This renaming process ensures that travelers can easily navigate the area without any misunderstandings or delays.
Conclusion
Forrest Highway is not just a highway; it’s a testament to progress and community development. From its early days as an old coast road to today’s modern dual carriageway, this route has seen incredible changes. As we look towards the future, Forrest Highway will continue to evolve, providing efficient travel options for years to come.
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This page is based on the article Forrest Highway published in Wikipedia (retrieved on December 4, 2024) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
