New congestion initiatives to keep Perth moving

A new Traffic Congestion Management Program, including better use of traffic signals along Canning Highway to improve traffic flow, gets under way today.

  • Suite of projects designed to reduce the impact of congestion 

  • A planned, co-ordinated approach to support Perth's growing population

  • Includes improved use of traffic signals on Canning Highway

A new Traffic Congestion Management Program, including better use of traffic signals along Canning Highway to improve traffic flow, gets under way today. 

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said Main Roads WA was set to embark on a number of new projects aimed at keeping Perth moving.

"The initiation of the Canning Highway Traffic Signal Optimisation Trial is the first in a number of projects to be delivered by Main Roads as part of a new Traffic Congestion Management Program," Mr Buswell said.

The Canning Highway trial will allow more green time at traffic signals between Riseley Street in Applecross to the Kwinana Freeway.

"These changes mean queue lengths at traffic lights will be reduced, stopping times decreased and, as a result, traffic flow will be maximised along an important arterial route for commuters between Fremantle and the city," the Minister said.

"As Perth's population grows, we constantly need to look at new ways to improve the efficiency of our road network. That is why the State Government has established a new program to manage congestion in and around our city."

The traffic congestion program includes a number of projects targeting known congestion hotspots in the metropolitan area and will be delivered over the next five years.

Research and analysis conducted by Main Roads identified eight areas of focus that aim to increase capacity on our roads including shoulder running and traffic signal optimisation.

"It is important that we maximise the performance of our existing network and improve the reliability of journey times for motorists and public transport users," Mr Buswell said.

Changes to traffic signal timings are estimated to deliver traffic flow efficiencies of up to 15 per cent throughout the trial section of Canning Highway. A similar trial will also be launched on Stirling Highway.

         Fact File

  • More information at http://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/OurRoads/KeepingPerthMoving

  • Traffic Congestion Management Program covers eight key areas of focus:

    • Planning and Evaluation

    • Public Transport

    • Arterial Optimisation

    • Freeway Optimisation

    • Traveller Information

    • Demand Management

    • CBD Traffic Management

    • Network Expansion

    •  Projects already delivered with the aim of relieving network pressure include:

    • a third lane in both directions through the Northbridge Tunnel

    •  implementation of the Incident Response Service

    • widening Mitchell Freeway northbound between Hepburn Ave and Hodges Drive

    • the addition of a third lane on Kwinana Freeway, Leach Highway to Roe Highway 

  • For real time traffic information, sign up to http://twitter.com/perth_traffic or visit http://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 6552 6400