Joint Federal media statement - Leach Hwy and Welshpool Rd intersection upgrades a step closer

Proposals for the design and construction of the $93 million Leach Highway and Welshpool Road Interchange project are now open for submission. 

The upgrade is one of 24 Western Australian transport projects being fast-tracked to support the WA economy and local jobs during the road out of COVID-19.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the project would improve critical connections to one of Perth's major industrial areas and bust congestion across the freight network.

"Safety is also a huge factor in this area, in just five years from 2014, 224 crashes have been reported and we need to bring these numbers down," Mr Tudge said.

"We are investing in critical infrastructure in WA to lay the foundations for economic recovery on the other side of COVID-19 and this project is part of that."

Western Australian Minister for Transport and Planning Rita Saffioti said the Leach Highway/Welshpool Road intersection was currently ranked as the second worst intersection across Western Australia for crash frequency and cost.

"Up to 50,000 vehicles travel through this intersection daily, making it one of Perth's most congested and dangerous," Ms Saffioti said.

"These upgrades will not only create a safer, more efficient intersection but will create and support local jobs.

"This is just one of 24 major transport infrastructure projects we are fast-tracking the procurement for to deliver jobs and continue economic development in our suburbs."

Federal Member for Swan Steve Irons said the project would improve safety and efficiency for commuters, heavy vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

"A new road bridge will carry Leach Highway over Welshpool Road and an additional road bridge on Leach Highway over the Armadale railway line, Railway Parade and Sevenoaks Street," Mr Irons said.

"There will also be a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians along Leach Highway from Sevenoaks Street to Orrong Road, including over the Armadale railway line."

The project is jointly funded with the Australian and Western Australian governments each committing $46.5 million and is scheduled to commence construction in late 2020.

WA Transport and Planning Minister's office - 6552 5500