LOCAL road and rail projects announced in a joint Federal-State package will aid traffic congestion and transform the City of Cockburn, according to Mayor Logan Howlett.
Ahead of last week’s Federal Budget, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Premier Mark McGowan revealed they had reached an agreement on a $2.3 billion road and rail package for WA.
Included were significant local projects, including the $166 million Armadale Road flyover the cities of Cockburn and Armadale have campaigned for.
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READ NOWThe bridge, which will link Armadale and North Lake roads over the Kwinana Freeway, is part of a $237 million package that includes the flyover and collector roads for the area.
Nearby, construction on the eagerly awaited upgrade of Armadale Road between Anstey Road and Tapper Road will begin this year.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said workers previously employed on the cancelled Roe 8 project would be reassigned to work on three alternative upgrades, with the Armadale Road widening one of them.
Another of those projects is the $100 million Murdoch Drive connection that will enable traffic on the Kwinana Freeway and Roe Highway to go directly into Fiona Stanley Hospital and the Murdoch Activity Centre.
In good news for Kwinana Freeway motorists, the northbound section between Russell Road and Roe Highway will be widened to three lanes
The 8km road project will cost $49 million and complement work in the southbound lanes completed in December.
More than 52,000 vehicles use this stretch of road each day, but that is expected to increase to 75,000 vehicles by 2021.
“This is a notoriously congested section of freeway with 75 per cent of crashes being potentially dangerous rear-end collisions,” Ms Saffioti said.
“The additional traffic lane will improve safety, allowing for more predictable and shorter travel.”
There should be some respite also for motorists accessing the expanding Jandakot Airport, with Karel Avenue between Farrington Road and Berrigan Drive to undergo a $15 million development in early 2018.
In addition to significant road works, a combined $1.2 billion will also be allocated to Labor’s Metronet projects.
Among those is the Thornlie to Cockburn train line, subject to a successful business case.
With traffic congestion identified in surveys as the number one issue for residents, Mr Howlett said it was an exciting time.
“This is a big win for Cockburn’s residential and business communities,” he said.
“Our road networks are struggling.
“The package will mean less time stuck in traffic and easier access to our freeways and train stations.”
Mr Turnbull said the package would deliver the best possible outcome for WA.
“We recognise the priorities of the new WA State Government and will work with them to deliver high quality outcomes for Western Australia,” he said.
Local road and rail projects
Armadale Road to North Lake Road Bridge.
Cost estimate: $237 million.
Jobs created: 1,400
Work to begin in the 2018-19 financial year.
Armadale Road Dual Carriageway – Anstey Road to Tapper Road.
Cost estimate: $145 million.
Jobs created: 850.
Work to begin in 2017.
Kwinana Freeway northbound widening – Russell Road to Roe Highway.
Cost estimate: $49 million.
Jobs created: 340.
Work to begin early 2018.
Karel Avenue upgrades – between Farrington Road and Berrigan Drive.
Cost estimate: $15 million.
Jobs created: 100.
Work to begin early 2018
Murdoch Drive Connection – to Kwinana Freeway and Roe Highway.
Cost estimate: $100 million.
Jobs created: 700.
Work to begin in late 2017.
Kwinana Freeway Smart Freeways/Intelligent Transport Systems – Roe Highway to Narrows Bridge
Cost estimate: $47 million
Jobs created: 245
Work to begin mid-2018
Thornlie to Cockburn Metronet rail line
Cost estimate: $474 million
Jobs created: 1600
Work, subject to a business case, could begin in 2019.