The $112 million second stage of the project, which commenced in 2008, involves the construction of 65 kilometres of new sealed coast road, starting just south of Lancelin and extending north to Pinnacles Drive, 10 kilometres south of Cervantes.

Visiting the site, Mr O’Brien said he was confident the road would be a hit with locals and tourists alike.

“When this road is completed it will be possible to travel from Perth to Geraldton entirely along a coastal route. This is bound to have significant economic benefits for local communities along the way,” he said.

Mr O’Brien said the construction of the new road would also ease pressure on the Brand Highway, currently the most direct route to Geraldton and beyond.

“At present the Brand Highway is a heavily-used freight route. However, when Indian Ocean Drive is completed, day trippers, travellers and other passenger vehicles heading into the areas near Lancelin and Cervantes will have another route to choose,” he said.

Heavy freight vehicles will be restricted from travelling on the Lancelin to Cervantes road.

There is currently a workforce of 135, including 24 Main Roads employees and 111 hired plant operators and labourers working on the project.

Construction of Indian Ocean Drive will be completed almost six months ahead of schedule.