Kelmscott: Labor commits to fix safety and congestion issues at Denny Ave

LABOR has promised to fix safety and congestion issues at Denny Avenue, after years of failed campaigns by parliamentary members from both sides, including a public petition, to deal with the hazardous roadway in Kelmscott.

The party has pledged $257 million for projects to reduce congestion, improve road safety and create jobs across the metro area.

Denny Avenue was earmarked as one of the first four dangerous crossings in Perth to be fixed should Labor be elected, beginning with the removal of the Armadale rail line crossing as part of Labor’s Metronet plan.

Armadale MLA Tony Buti said work would begin in 2019 to build either an underpass or overpass, once the public and City of Armadale had been consulted over the design.

He said the committment was a huge win for those who had been fighting for a grade separation at Denny Avenue for such a long time.

His statement was echoed by the Labor candidate for Darling Range Barry Urban and Federal Burt MP Matt Keogh, who said he had been campaigning for Denny Avenue to be fixed since his days as a member of the Armadale Redevelopment Authority.

“I want to thank the hundreds of local people who signed the Denny Avenue petition that I tabled in the WA Parliament,” Dr Buti said.

Denny Avenue has a level crossing and three major intersections at Albany Highway, Railway Avenue and Streich Avenue, within 200m.

It is the only place to cross the Armadale rail line in Kelmscott and the area is near Kelmscott train station and the entrance to the popular Spud Shed .

“Most of us have experienced the morning and afternoon traffic jams at Denny Avenue when travelling to work or taking children to school,” said Dr Buti.

Past proposals have included building an underpass, estimated to cost anywhere between $20 to $55 million, which the City of Armadale has been unable to finance without State or Federal funding .

Transport Minister Bill Marmion has been contacted for comment .