Samantha Rowe MLC and Mark McGowan MLA leader of the opposition.
Camera IconSamantha Rowe MLC and Mark McGowan MLA leader of the opposition. Credit: Supplied/Bruce Hunt

Morton in the crosshairs

Julian Wright, Hills GazetteHills Avon Valley Gazette

Mr McGowan visited the site of the troublesome intersection in Forrestfield this week to urge the State Government to ensure the project is fully funded when next week’s Budget is handed down.

He said the Government had promised residents the project would be started by now but later postponed works until next year.

‘This is a road that the Government promised $15 million (to fix) and thus far are $10 million short,’ he said.

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‘We are saying dangerous roads, especially ones you promised to fix, need some serious work.’

Mr McGowan said local families should no longer have to navigate road trains.

‘Roe Highway is a very busy road; huge numbers of trucks, large numbers of cars and families having to cross it in their four cylinder cars is a death-defying experience,’ he said.

‘(This intersection has been the) subject of many complaints.

‘Families have to cross an extremely dangerous road (to get their children to school).’

He said Mr Morton was responsible for getting the project on track in good time.

‘Mr Morton was the beneficiary of a promise that hasn’t been delivered,’ he said.

‘The promise was that the road construction would be underway in 2013 and that has not happened, so if the promise isn’t delivered, he’s the one who is responsible.’

Mr Morton said he had been working ‘tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure this project is delivered’.

‘There have been 172 crashes at this intersection over the last five years ” this is unacceptable and that is why this intersection needs to be fixed,’ Mr Morton said.

‘At the election, I also committed to an upgrade to Maddington and Kenwick train stations, which have or are being delivered. I also committed to a noise wall along Roe Highway and construction is under way as we speak.

‘I also delivered 40km/h flashing signs to Dawson Park Primary School, which is another election commitment delivered.

‘If I say I am committed to something ” you can rest assured I am committed to it.’

Main Roads WA figures show 38 crashes were recorded at the intersection in 2013.

Of these, two resulted in hospitalisation and nine required medical attention.

When the Gazette went to print, Transport Minister Dean Nalder said $15 million was allocated to the project and an announcement on the timing would be made shortly.