A map showing the State Government’s chosen design for the Murdoch Drive Connection.
Camera IconA map showing the State Government’s chosen design for the Murdoch Drive Connection. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Main Roads WA apologises to City of Melville for ‘misguiding’ residents on Murdoch Dve Connection

Bryce LuffMelville Gazette

MELVILLE officials received an apology after Main Roads WA (MRWA) “misguided” residents about the City’s position on the Murdoch Drive Connection.

The $100 million road project will see Murdoch Drive extended to Roe Highway, but the City of Melville remains unhappy with the final design selected by the State Government.

MRWA have held displays at local shopping centres in Melville, offering the community the chance to gain information the project.

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But Melville Mayor Russell Aubrey said a City staff member and councillor were forced to correct MRWA representatives who were telling residents the City supported the project as it stands.

“The notion portrayed by MRWA is completely wrong,” he said.

“It’s ill informed.

“The problem for me is to change (the design) it needs the support of the community and now some have been misguided.”

The City favours a design put forward by MRWA, one ultimately not chosen by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.

Main Roads spokesman Dean Roberts said an apology had been issued and the City’s position was clearly understood.

“The City of Melville is supportive of the overall objectives of the project but expressed some concern over aspects of the approved design relating to local connectivity,” he said.

“We have contacted Mr Aubrey to apologise if this matter was miscommunicated by our project representatives during the sessions.”

Melville chief executive Shayne Silcox wrote to Ms Saffioti earlier this month expressing the City’s disappointment with the approved plan.

Among a number of suggestions were recommendations for a slip lane connecting Farrington Road to Roe Highway east-bound and an adjustment to the Roe Highway-Bibra Drive roundabout to allow two-way traffic.

On announcing the chosen design, Ms Saffioti believed balance had been struck but admitted not everyone would be happy.

Mr Roberts said the current concept meets the core requirements of the project, including “improved, two-way access to the Murdoch Activity Centre from Kwinana Freeway and Roe Highway”.

“With regards to local road access, we have sought to address concerns raised by the local community about the impacts of additional traffic movements on Bibra Drive, Hope Road and Farrington Road,” he said.

“It is also important to add that the project will reduce traffic volumes in Leeming, east of Kwinana Freeway by approximately 20 per cent (against a do nothing scenario).”

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