The Federal Government is investing $95 million in two major transport infrastructure projects in Perth to support the city’s growing south.
The government is investing $95 million in two projects in a big win for the city:
- $90 million to upgrade the intersection of Leach Highway and Manning Road, Bentley
- $5 million to plan for the future of Murdoch Station
The intersection of Leach Highway and Manning Road is the second most congested in Western Australia, costing an estimated $18.2 million in lost productivity each year.
More than 44,000 vehicles use the intersection daily, and over the past five years there have been 105 crashes.
The funding will go towards the first stage of the project, which will include a grade-separated interchange to help ease congestion and improve safety.
Murdoch Station is Perth’s busiest station outside of the CBD, connecting train and bus passengers to the Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct, including Murdoch University, Fiona Stanley Hospital and residential communities.
The station is nearing capacity, with patronage expected to grow to 15,000 daily boardings by 2031 and the new Women and Babies Hospital planned for the precinct expected to create even further demand.
This critical funding will enable concept and detailed design work to take place to upgrade the capacity and improve passenger experience at Murdoch Station.
These designs will include:
- A new multi-story carpark on the eastern side of the train station
- An additional bus bridge and additional bus stands
- An additional passenger concourse between the station platform and the bus interchange
- A new southern passenger overpass
This comes on top of the government’s other commitments for Western Australia including a $700 million partnership to upgrade the Kwinana Freeway, METRONET, upgrades to the Tonkin Highway and Outback Way.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Catherine King, said that he federal government is building Western Australia’s future by doing the important work of planning for Perth’s growth.
“Whether travelling to Perth from the southern suburbs or home to Fremantle from the airport, the upgrades to Leach Highway will give 44,000 travellers every day a safer journey,” ms King said.
“Murdoch station is the busiest on the network outside the CBD and this investment will ensure the Perth’s southern suburbs continue to be serviced by world-class public transport into the future.
“We’re investing in roads and rail right across Perth and around its surrounding suburbs to better connect the city, improve road safety and give locals precious time back in there day.”
Member for Burt, Matt Keogh, said that these projects will be a game-changer for the south eastern suburbs, making people’s journeys faster and safer.
“They complement the other major infrastructure projects we are delivering with the state government,” Mr Keogh said.
“Unclogging our roads ensures ongoing economic growth, more jobs, and helps cut transport costs that are otherwise passed onto consumers.”
