Community supports plan to protect future of West Coast Highway

• Almost 70 per cent of respondents support future plan for West Coast Highway
• Planning concept includes three-lane, lowered road to separate local and regional traffic
• Almost 40,000 vehicles use road daily, which is estimated to increase to 50,000 by 2041
• Next step to include protecting land requirements for future road infrastructure 

Almost 70 per cent of respondents support the State Government's future plans for West Coast Highway between Ventnor Street and West Coast Terrace in Scarborough.

The three-month community survey received 719 responses, with the results finding the community's priorities include better connectivity in and around Scarborough, travel time savings and improved opportunities for streetscaping and other amenity improvements.

The planning concept includes a centrally located, three-lane, lowered road to allow regional traffic to pass under intersections at Brighton Road, Scarborough Beach Road and Manning Street, with the concept also providing for wider verges and space for future urban design.

The consultation was a key step in the road planning process to ensure community support for the concept, with Main Roads to now provide a recommendation to DevelopmentWA to amend the Scarborough Redevelopment Scheme, protecting the land for the future project.

No construction funding is currently allocated to the project and further project development investigations will be required before funding opportunities are examined.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The future planning proposal for West Coast Highway is an ambitious one, and I'm pleased to see 70 per cent of the community who completed the survey are supportive of the plan.

"Scarborough is a popular destination, with almost 40,000 vehicles travelling along West Coast Highway daily.

"This is anticipated to increase to 50,000 daily by 2041, so it's important we start planning for our future infrastructure now.

"Main Roads will now make a submission to DevelopmentWA to amend the Scarborough Redevelopment Scheme, protecting the land for the future project."

Comments attributed to Scarborough MLA Stuart Aubrey:

"I'd like to say a big thank you to all the members of our community who had their say on this proposal.

"I was glad to hear this community survey had the highest number of responses of any Main Roads WA project, which highlights just how important community consultation is.

"Almost 70 per cent of our community support this idea and have provided additional feedback on their thoughts about better connectivity, time saving options and how we can increase amenity in the area.

"I look forward to seeing this proposal evolve as Main Roads incorporates community feedback. It is vital to the future of our community that you get your say on this important project and I will continue to keep you informed."

Minister's office - 6552 5500