A new Leach Highway and Welshpool Road interchange in Perth, Western Australia is a step closer to becoming a reality as proposals for the design and construction of the $93 million project are now open for submission.
This project is just one of the 24 transport infrastructure projects in the State being fast tracked to support the local economy and local jobs as Western Australia recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The upgrade will also help bust congestion across the local freight network as well as improve vital connections to one of Perth’s major industrial areas.
“Safety is also a huge factor in this area, in just five years from 2014, 224 crashes have been reported and we need to bring these numbers down.
“We are investing in critical infrastructure in WA to lay the foundations for economic recovery on the other side of COVID-19 and this project is part of that,” Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said.
According to WA Minister for Transport and Planning Rita Saffioti, the Leach Highway and Welshpool Road interchange is ranked as the second worst intersection in the State in relation to crash frequency and cost.
“Up to 50,000 vehicles travel through this intersection daily, making it one of Perth’s most congested and dangerous.
“These upgrades will not only create a safer, more efficient intersection but will create and support local jobs,” Ms Saffioti said.
Preliminary concept for this multi-million-dollar project includes:
“There will also be a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians along Leach Highway from Sevenoaks Street to Orrong Road, including over the Armadale railway line,” Federal Member for Swan Steve Irons said.
The Leach Highway and Welshpool Road Interchange upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, each investing $46 million.
Construction is anticipated to commence in late 2020 and will support up to 400 jobs.
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Source: Government of Western Australia; Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure; Main Roads WA