Multi-million dollar interchange dramatically cuts crashes in Welshpool

4/6/07 The intersection of Leach Highway and Orrong Road is now safer and less congested after the new $26million interchange was officially opened today.

4/6/07
The intersection of Leach Highway and Orrong Road is now safer and less congested after the new $26million interchange was officially opened today.
Announcing the completion of the project, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said prior to work starting in January 2006, the intersection was the number one blackspot on metropolitan roads.
"Leach Highway/Orrong Road was one of the worst intersections in Western Australia, with over 394 crashes and 56 casualties occurring between 2000 and 2005," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The congestion was particularly a nightmare for the trucking industry operating in and out of Kewdale."
The Minister said work on the interchange involved:

  • the construction of a new bridge for Leach Highway traffic to travel over Orrong Road:
  • new on and off ramps either side of the bridge and new traffic signals on Orrong Road:
  • widening of Orrong Road, including provision of an additional right-turn pocket and cycle lanes;
  • upgrade of Leach Highway with the installation of new safety barriers; and
  • improved cyclist and pedestrian facilities.
Belmont MLA Eric Ripper welcomed the announcement saying the new interchange was another example of the Carpenter Government using the benefits of a strong economy to invest in the future of WA.
"The Leach Highway/Orrong Road intersection has experienced increased traffic since the opening of the Graham Farmer Freeway with over 80,000 vehicles travelling through it each day," Mr Ripper said.
"This project will improve traffic flow and travel times for all motorists, but most importantly it is now much safer."
Ms MacTiernan said the intersection was a major heavy haulage transport route in the heart of an extensive industrial area and delivered on the State Government's promise to make Kewdale more effective as a road and rail transport hub.
"This project forms a key part of the Government's six-point plan under the Freight Network Strategy for the area and the intersection is part of the Federal Government's Auslink Network," she said.
"The State Government has now committed $14million to upgrade the number one blackspot - the intersection of Reid Highway and Alexander Drive.
"We supported an application by the City of Stirling in 2006 to the Howard Government for a contribution of $10million, but incredibly the Howard Government has fallen short on making a commitment to this project."
Minister's office - 9213 6400