Reid Hwy/Mirrabooka Ave black spot eliminated (Video)

• Reid Highway bridge overpass at Mirrabooka Avenue opens later today

• $30million State Government project

The opening today of the new Reid Highway bridge overpass at Mirrabooka Avenue signals the end of the intersection's black spot reputation.

Between 1999 and 2009 there were 400 crashes at the intersection, resulting in four fatalities and 38 serious injuries.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell will open two new bridges over Mirrabooka Avenue that will enable traffic to flow freely along Reid Highway between Malaga Drive and Erindale Road.

"The intersection of Reid Highway and Mirrabooka Avenue has traditionally been one of Western Australia's most notorious metropolitan black spots, so I am very pleased the Liberal-National Government has acted to make it much safer for the 60,000 vehicles that use it every day," Mr Buswell said.

"Earlier this year we brought the $30million project forward to capitalise on work already being undertaken by Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd at the nearby Reid Highway-Alexander Drive interchange, which opened in April.

"Moving the same contractor straight on to the Reid Highway/Mirrabooka Avenue project and using the same design saved the State about $8million in reduced workforce mobilisation, contract and project management costs.

"Combined with signalised on and off-ramps, the new interchange will significantly reduce traffic conflicts and delays and improve safety and efficiency."

      Fact File

• The intersection was ranked second in the City of Stirling (behind the former Reid Highway/Alexander Drive intersection) and fourth in the metropolitan area for both serious and fatal crashes

• By 2015, 85,000 vehicles a day expected to use intersection (currently 60,000)

• Video of the project construction and bridge lift is available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZUvm0STIyg

Minister's office - 9213 6900

Video: Opening