State Election: major parties reveal plans to combat congestion in Victoria Park

WA’s major political parties have revealed their plans to reduce congestion around Victoria Park.

Labor has revealed plans to remove the Oats Street level crossing and three other level crossings on the Armadale and Midland lines as part of Stage One of its Metronet project.

Planning would commence in 2017, with construction to take place in 2019-2020 with value capture opportunities to be indentified and funding raised offsetting the cost .

Labor said the method of removing the level crossing would be finalised once planning works begun.

Victoria Park MLA Ben Wyatt said the rail crossing at Oats Street was one of the worst traffic hotspots in his electorate.

“It is a constant source of frustration for the thousands of people who use is on a regular basis,” he said.

“This is a huge investment for our local community.

“By removing this crossing, traffic will be able to flow freely along Oats Street, without the interference of the train line.

“I am also excited by the opportunity for the redevelopment of the Oats street station.

“The existing station is old and is not fit for purpose.”

Liberal candidate for Victoria Park Julian Jacobs said he believed any overpass or tunnels on the Armadale-Thornlie railway line that could be built would ease congestion but believed it would have to be fully costed.

“Currently the Labor plan for Oats Street lacks costings, engineering details, funding and a concrete time frame for works to be completed,” he said.

“They can’t tell you what they are going to do because they don’t know themselves.”

Mr Jacobs said he supported creating more dedicated cycle paths and the widening Shepperton Road to six lanes.

“I also support a widening of Shelly Bridge, as this has been a bottleneck inhibiting residents’ movement for too long,” he said.

“I also look forward to seeing the added benefits to ease congestion of the continued roll out of the Traffic Signal Timing Improvement project along major roads in the area such as Canning Highway and Shepperton Road.”

Greens candidate for Victoria Park Ryan Quinn said the Greens Transit City plan sought to create a multi-modal, interconnected transport network for Perth that encouraged users to seek alternative modes of transport.

“For Victoria Park, the Greens plan will see the development of a light rail network from the city, down Albany Highway and concluding at Curtin University,” he said.

“The use of a bus-rapid network down Orrong Road, Manning Road and along Hill View Terrace will provide additional high frequency options for residents, in addition to existing services.

“Building more roads is not working, so let’s invest in developing a world-class public transport system, cycling network and freight rail network that will encourage people to leave the car in the garage.”