The draft concept plan has been released for the Fremantle High Street Upgrade project.
The project aims to increase traffic flow, freight efficiency and improve safety between the Stirling Highway and Carrington Street.
The upgrade will provide direct access to several local roads and driveways and aims to reduce the amount of stop-start conditions and reduce safety risks.
It also aims to improve freight efficiency be providing a more predictable journey times to and from Fremantle Port.
The draft concept includes a roundabout at the Stirling Highway intersection, a wide median to separate traffic and preserve a number of mature trees, and a single-lane service road for residents of north High Street.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said the upgrade to High Street will help ease congestion in Freemantle and the surrounding suburbs and create about 700 jobs.
“2018 will be a big year for road improvements across Perth, with at least eight major road projects to start construction while many others will reach planning completion and be released for tender,” Mr McGowan said.
“The State Government is getting on with the job of delivering important upgrades across Perth’s suburbs to complement our METRONET vision,” he said.
WA Minister of Transport Rita Saffioti said the upgrade is designed to resolve what has been a long-term safety issue and provide a solution to truck rollovers in peak hour.
“Consultation is continuing with the City of Fremantle and we will be speaking with key stakeholders, local community groups and residents together with the freight industry to develop and refine a final concept and scope of works,” Ms Saffioti said.
“Other initiatives include the recent increase to the freight on rail subsidy and the creation of the Westport Taskforce. It will guide the planning, development and growth of the Port of Fremantle, and the associated road and rail links to support the new port facilities,” she said.
Construction on the project is scheduled to begin by mid 2019.
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