One of Perth’s most dangerous intersections is currently receiving major construction works to improve safety and bust congestion.
There has been a recorded 224 crashes between 2015 and 2019 in the Leach Highway and Welshpool Road interchange, of which 204 were rear-end collisions.
The $136 million upgrade of one of WA’s most dangerous intersections will improve traffic flow and reduce peak travel times while easing pressure on the local road network.
“This is all part of our plan to support local jobs and the economy through COVID-19 while delivering important upgrades to our transport networks,” Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan said.
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti stated the interchange is a well-known pinch point for commuters and upgrading it will save more travel time during peak hour.
“Combined with our level crossing removals along the Armadale Line this will completely transform this transport corridor,” Minister Saffioti said.
The construction project will deliver a new grade-separated intersection, with Leach Highway bridging over Welshpool Road. An at-grade roundabout at the intersection of Leach Highway and Welshpool Road will also be built. The Leach Highway Bridge over rail south of the interchange will also be upgraded.
Construction for the interchange will be completed by the Leach Welshpool Alliance, a consortium made up of local contractors. It is anticipated that the construction will create and support up to 600 jobs.
Federal Member for Swan Steve Irons said the construction project will be a fantastic outcome for the road’s 50,000 users per day.
“I have been a long time supporter and advocate of upgrades to this intersection, which is currently ranked as one of the most dangerous in WA,” Federal Member Irons said.
“These works are a part of the ongoing commitment by the Government to the recovery of our economy and to get people home safer and sooner with funding for congestion-busting infrastructure.”
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the project will provide drivers with a safer and more efficient east-west freight connection, particularly between Fremantle and the industrial areas of Kewdale and Welshpool.
The Australian Government and Western Australian Government have each committed $68 million to the project, making it one of many critical infrastructure projects to receive funding as part of the record $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline.