WA budget outlines $2.7B investment in roads

The Western Australian Government will spend $2.7 billion on roads and $1.34 billion over the next four years for METRONET stage one projects, as outlined in its 2017-18 State Budget.

The investment in road projects includes $237 million for the Armadale Road/ North Lake Bridge project, as well as funding to upgrade the Mitchell Freeway, Wanneroo Road and Marmion and Stephenson avenues.

Western Australian Treasurer Ben Wyatt said the investment in public transport and roads is an important part of the Government’s plans to create jobs and grow the economy.

“The 2017-18 State Budget includes a significant funding boost for METRONET and roads across the State, many of which have been made possible by the cancellation of the flawed Perth Freight Link,” he said.

The Budget spend on roads includes:

– $40 million for widening of the Mitchell Freeway southbound between Cedric and Vincent streets;

– $50 million for a new traffic interchange at Wanneroo Road and Joondalup Drive;

– $65 million for a traffic interchange at Wanneroo and Ocean Reef roads;

– $31 million Wanneroo Road dual carriageway between Joondalup and Flynn drives;

– $70 million Reid Highway dual carriageway between Altone and West Swan roads;

– $60 million contribution towards the Stephenson Avenue extension project in Stirling; and

– $23 million contribution for the dual carriageway of Marmion Avenue to Yanchep.

Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti called the Yanchep Rail Extension the jewel in the crown of the investment in road and rail infrastructure in Perth’s north.

“The project is long overdue and will create new opportunities to commute into the CBD for work and recreation, while taking cars off the roads,” she said.

“The widening of the Mitchell Freeway, as well as upgrades to important arterial roads such as Wanneroo Road and Marmion Avenue, will see transport in the northern suburbs transform in coming years.”