New speed limits on dangerous highway

The speed limit along part of the Coalfields Highway will soon be changed to 80km/hr to improve safety on the road.

The announcement comes after two fatalities on the Coalfield Highway in recent weeks.

The variable speed zone will be introduced later this week, 300m either side of the Gastaldo Road intersection from 5.30am to 7.30am and 3.30pm to 6pm on weekdays.

The new speed limit was an initiative of Main Roads and the Industry Road Safety Alliance, whose members include BHP Billiton (Worsley Alumina Refinery) and the Shire of Collie.

The new speed limit will be implemented to assist the safe entry and exit of vehicles into the Worsley expansion site.

Main Roads Australia acting director South West operations Peter Bromley said the speed limit change is due to a larger volume of traffic expected on the Coalfields Highway.

"The temporary reduced speed zone has been agreed in consultation with stakeholders and will be implemented because of expected increases in traffic during the Worsley Expansion Project," Mr Bromley said.

"This is one of a number of safety improvements that have been implemented to make travelling to and from the Worsley Refinery site safer."

Motorists will be advised of the new speed limit by electronic signs.