Media Release: Expressions of interest called to upgrade Perth congestion hot-spot

Plans to eliminate another congestion hot-spot on the Roe Highway have reached a major milestone with calls for expressions of interest in designing and building a grade-separated interchange at the Kalamunda Road intersection with the highway in Maida Vale.

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said because it links with almost all of Perth’s important road corridors, upgrading the Roe Highway was critical to ensuring the efficient movement of people and goods throughout the city.

“This project is the latest in a series of Australian Government-funded initiatives to remove known pinch points on the Roe Highway following the successful delivery of Gateway WA, the Roe Highway and Berkshire Road interchange and the Roe Highway Upgrade project between Tonkin Highway and Orrong Road,” Mr Fletcher said.

“We look forward to seeing this project supporting jobs and economic growth by improving this key route in Perth’s north-east in terms of travel times, traffic flows, freight productivity and reliability.”

Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said the project would remove one of the last remaining signalised intersections on the Roe Highway between Midland and the Kwinana Freeway.

“Building a grade-separated interchange at this location, which features a higher than average incidence of rear-end and right-angle crashes, will improve safety by removing the potential for clashes between turning and through traffic,” Ms Saffioti said.

“This project is one of many expected to improve the transport network in Perth’s eastern corridor over the next two years.

“We have advertised expressions of interest to build the final section of dual carriageway on the Reid Highway, between Altone Road and West Swan Road. Construction work is also progressing well on New Lord Street, a new dual carriageway linking the Reid Highway and Gnangara Road.”                

Federal Member for Hasluck Ken Wyatt said the Roe Highway/Kalamunda Road intersection would be built as a grade-separated interchange to improve traffic flows and reduce local noise pollution levels.

“I am delighted that this important work is now getting underway,” Mr Wyatt said.

“I am committed to safety and traffic efficiencies that will reduce stress for local commuters and allow them to spend more time with their families.

“The current concept design will also provide a big boost for pedestrians and cyclists, with a shared path with local links, along with the new bridge, two roundabouts and on and off-ramps.

“The design has been developed in consultation with key stakeholders to minimise potential impacts on the surrounding area.”

Construction on the project is expected to start in 2019 and be completed in 2020, weather permitting.

The $86 million project is jointly funded by the Australian ($68.8 million) and Western Australian ($17.2 million) Governments.

More information on the procurement process is available at http://www.tenders.wa.gov.au.