The third and final congestion-busting upgrade to the busy Wanneroo Road in Perth’s northern suburbs has progressed today, with industry invited to express interest to design and build another key intersection upgrade.
The Wanneroo Road-Ocean Reef Road interchange project forms part of the $2.3 billion Commonwealth-State infrastructure package, supporting 17 new projects and up to 6000 jobs.
The $64.8 million project will involve a bridge at the Wanneroo Road and Ocean Reef Road intersection, traffic signalised on and off ramps, drainage improvements and the realignment of paths and pedestrian crossing points.
It will complement the widening of Wanneroo Road to Flynn Drive that is now under construction and the upgrade of the intersection at Wanneroo Road and Joondalup Drive, which is currently being planned.
Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher said the upgrade, which was a commitment of the Turnbull Government in the 2016 federal election campaign, was one of three new projects planned to relieve congestion in Perth’s rapidly expanding northern suburbs.
“The Turnbull Government is delivering almost $7 billion worth of infrastructure projects in Western Australia,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The intersection is heavily congested during peak periods, which not only affects journey reliability but has also increased crash rates. The new grade separation at the intersection will tackle these issues.
“This is yet another example of how the Turnbull Government is backing Western Australia by investing in projects that boost the economy and create jobs.”
Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said the three upgrades to Wanneroo Road were key election commitments of the McGowan Government, which would be integral to the growing northern suburbs communities.
“Traffic volumes on both Wanneroo and Ocean Reef Roads are expected to grow rapidly as Perth’s northern suburbs continue expanding,” Ms Saffioti said.
“Upgrading the intersection will relieve pressure on the existing road network and create more efficiency, which in turn, will support economic activity in the area.
“These Wanneroo Road upgrades, along with the METRONET rail extension to Yanchep, will ensure the northern suburbs will have the right transport infrastructure to match its growth.”
Construction on the project is expected to begin in late 2018, with completion due in late 2019.
The Australian Government has committed $51.84 million to deliver the $64.8 million project in partnership with the Western Australian Government.
More information on the procurement process is available at www.tenders.wa.gov.au