Design and construction proposals are being sought for the $86 million new interchange for Roe Highway and Kalamunda Road in Western Australia.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments and was part of the wider $2.3 billion “boosting jobs, busting congestion” package of works announced in May 2017.
Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure, and Population, Alan Tudge, said the project would make the daily commute easier for motorists and improve freight efficiency for truck drivers.
“The project is part of the Morrison Government’s nation-wide, once-in-a-generation solution to solving traffic congestion.
“The new intersection will improve traffic flows and travel times on what is a key route across Perth’s eastern suburbs.”
Almost 60,000 vehicles pass through the intersection each day and up to 14 per cent are heavy vehicles.
Western Australian Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti, said the project was one of many improvements underway for the transport network in Perth’s eastern corridor.
“Construction of a dual carriageway on Reid Highway between Malaga Drive and Altone Road is progressing well as part of NorthLink WA, while the New Lord Street project linking Reid Highway and Gnangara Road is on track for completion in late 2018.
“We have also called for proposals from industry to complete the dual carriageway on Reid Highway, between Altone Road and West Swan Road, in early 2019.”
The important road upgrades will also complement the Federally backed METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook rail line and Forrestfield-Airport Link, which will connect some of WA’s fastest-growing suburbs with Perth and the rest of Australia’s rail network.
Federal Member for Hasluck, Ken Wyatt, said the upgraded Roe Highway and Kalamunda Road interchange would benefit more than just motorists and truck drivers.
“A shared path is included on the eastern side of the highway, with local links provided for pedestrians and cyclists.
“Roe Highway is likely to pass under Kalamunda Road and connections between the two roads will be retained through two roundabouts on Kalamunda Road as well as on and off-ramps to the highway.”
State Member for Forrestfield, Stephen Price, said the Roe-Kalamunda interchange project construction would create around 600 jobs.
“The pipeline of infrastructure projects will provide ongoing work for many West Australians, particularly with the State Government’s WA Jobs legislation coming into effect.
“It’s pleasing to see residents of the eastern suburbs are finally getting the transport infrastructure they deserve and the McGowan Government is proud to be part of it.”
Federal Member for Swan, Steve Irons, said the upgrade would make the intersection safer.
“The upgraded interchange will eliminate one of the last remaining signalised intersections on the highway.
“Replacing the current intersection, which is heavily congested and has a higher than average number of crashes, with a new, safer interchange will make a significant difference for all those travelling along this road.”
Construction is expected to start in mid-2019 and be completed in the second half of 2020, weather permitting.
