Roe Highway extension cuts Leach Highway traffic

25/2/03
The volume of traffic on Leach Highway has fallen since Roe Highway stages four and five were completed up to 10 months ahead of schedule in January this year.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said average weekday traffic counts between Welshpool Road and the Kwinana Freeway in early February showed that traffic numbers had fallen by more than five per cent.
Ms MacTiernan said that:

• just north of Welshpool Road, the average daily count was down 12 per cent to 36,517, compared with 41,524 in 2001-2002;

• south of Bungaree Rd, near the Shelley Bridge, the average count had fallen to 43,087, compared with 45,434 in September last year; and

• west of Karel Ave, near the Freeway, the count of 58,802 was almost 3, 500 less than the 62,175 recorded in October last year.

"These two stages provide a vital eight-kilometre link between the important industrial areas of Welshpool and Canning Vale," the Minister said.
"Of course, early completion of these is only part of the Government's commitment to complete construction of Roe Highway to the Kwinana Freeway.
"Work on Roe Highway stage six to South Street began in January and is now expected to be completed before September 2004.
"An alignment has been selected for stage seven and a Public Environmental Review process is under way."
Minister's office: 9213 6400