Joint media statement - Highway upgrades kick off supporting local jobs and improving safety

Work will kick off this month on two highway projects in Upper Swan and Wooroloo that will help to ease congestion, improve safety and support around 180 jobs.

A new roundabout will be constructed on Great Northern Highway at the intersection of Apple Street and Coondaree Parade in Upper Swan.

The project will also include realigning the existing intersection, improvements to drainage and street lighting, new pedestrian and cycling facilities, and a new accessway for heavy vehicles at the Apple Street Road Train Assembly Area.

The $14 million project is jointly funded by the Federal Government, State Government and third-party stakeholders (Satterley Property Group, City of Swan and BGC) and will improve travel times and road safety at the intersection, increase connectivity in the area with a cyclist lane, cater for various heavy vehicle movements, and improve drainage.

WBHO Infrastructure Pty Ltd will undertake the works, which are expected to be completed in the first half of 2022.

Work will also be undertaken to realign two kilometres of Great Eastern Highway in Wooroloo - used by more than 7,000 vehicles a day - which will eliminate three substandard curves, help reduce the risk of crashes and improve safety.

Work will be completed by Decmil Southern Pty Ltd with the new section of highway to include a painted median to provide better separation between traffic, as well as wider sealed shoulders and safety barriers.

The project also includes a new connection to Old Northam Road, upgrades to Wooroloo Prison Farm access road and the addition of left and right-turn pockets at both intersections.

The $14.4 million project is jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth Governments and is anticipated to be completed in the first half of 2022.

Comments attributed to Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher:

"The Morrison Government has allocated an unprecedented amount of funding to road upgrades throughout Western Australia and is getting on with delivering infrastructure projects that improve congestion and safety for commuters, ensuring they get home quickly and safely.

"Under the Urban Congestion Fund, we are delivering 177 individual packages of works nationwide. The Great Northern Highway-Apple Street intersection upgrade and Great Eastern Highway and Old Northam Road projects bring the total number of Urban Congestion Fund projects around Australia that are completed or underway to 65. A further 51 are expected to start construction this year. 

"This is just the latest example of us delivering on our commitment to progress critical infrastructure projects across the country under our record $110 billion 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping to drive Australia's world-leading economic recovery."

Comments attributed to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The McGowan Government is committed to supporting local jobs while also improving safety and easing congestion on our roads.

"Thousands of cars use these intersections each day, many of which are heavy vehicles.

"These projects will help transform the local areas, and make it easier for drivers as our communities continue to grow."

WA Transport Minister's office - 6552 5500