Swan MHR Steve Irons, Transport Bill Marmion and South Perth MLA John McGrath at the announcement of the southbound on-ramp at the Manning Road and Kwinana Freeway intersection.
Camera IconSwan MHR Steve Irons, Transport Bill Marmion and South Perth MLA John McGrath at the announcement of the southbound on-ramp at the Manning Road and Kwinana Freeway intersection. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Liberals commit $15 million to southbound Kwinana Freeway on-ramp at Manning Road

Aaron CorlettSouthern Gazette

THE Liberal Government has committed $15 million to a southbound on-ramp at the Manning Road and Kwinana Freeway intersection, if re-elected.

After decades of inaction from both sides of politics, the announcement was made today and adds to the $20 million pledged by the Federal Government last year.

At the moment, motorists who want to travel south from Manning Road need to loop around on Canning Highway before entering the freeway.

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The Liberals expect construction to start in early 2019 and Transport Minister Bill Marmion said it would take about 12 months to complete, with some buildings in the path of the road removed.

“A final design has to be done now but obviously it’s likely they (the flats) will have to go because you need to get extra widening for a left turn slip,” he said.

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“You’re going to have to knock out some of those flats but those negotiations are yet to come and the $35 million does incorporate funds for land acquisition, but environmentally approvals will have to be done as well.”

Mr Marmion said the length of time taken for any government to commit to it came down to money and the fact it was a safe Liberal seat, which meant Labor were less likely to make it a priority.

Manning resident Michael O’Brien owns one of the properties near the ramp and said the announcement was a long-time coming.

“I remember getting a letter about 30 years ago from the Roads Board, which is now Main Roads it was that long ago, saying they were looking at the ramp,” he said.

“It makes sense, it means there will be less congestion around the area.”

South Perth MLA John McGrath, said he welcomed the commitment after many representations from frustrated residents who wanted an easier way to travel south from Manning and Como.

“This will make a big difference to traffic flow and safety and take out a lot of the frustration of the daily commute on the freeway,” he said.

“Another issue that has become very evident in recent is the massive growth of Curtin University, now the biggest university population in Western Australia with 45,000 students and 4500 people employed.”

Swan MHR Steve Irons said he had “banged on the door” of five Prime Ministers in his time to get a commitment.

“For all the people who have emailed us and got in contact with us, this has been one of the hottest topics in my time as an elected representative,” he said.

Labor have been contacted for comment.