Federal Government Secures $225M for Major Perth Intersection Upgrade, Tackling WA's Worst Traffic Bottleneck

April 7, 2025
Federal Government Secures $225M for Major Perth Intersection Upgrade, Tackling WA's Worst Traffic Bottleneck
  • The Federal Labor Government has secured $225 million for the upgrade of the Reid Highway and Erindale Road interchange in Perth, following weeks of uncertainty.

  • In total, the Federal government has allocated $295 million for road projects in Western Australia, enabling significant improvements in Perth's northern suburbs.

  • This project, which involves a $450 million upgrade of the Reid Highway and Erindale Road intersection in Balcatta, was announced during the January 2025 State election campaign.

  • The funding follows a 50/50 financing model with the state government, aimed at addressing one of Perth's most problematic intersections.

  • The interchange has been labeled the worst intersection in Western Australia, with 263 crashes reported over the last five years, including 76 injuries.

  • This congestion is estimated to cause an annual economic loss of $21.3 million in productivity.

  • Cowan MP Anne Aly has been advocating for this upgrade for a decade, emphasizing its importance for commuter safety and efficiency, particularly as she faces re-election challenges.

  • Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King highlighted the necessity for improved transport infrastructure to support the rapidly growing northern suburbs of Perth.

  • Construction is expected to begin in early 2028 and take up to three years to complete, according to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.

  • The upgrade plans include a new bridge, a free-flow ramp, and various road improvements to enhance safety and traffic flow.

  • The Commonwealth is set to fund half of the project costs, despite the funding not being included in Jim Chalmers' recent budget.

  • The recent budget did not allocate funding for WA roads, leading to criticism from the Opposition regarding a promised $642 million being labeled as a 'side deal.'

Summary based on 2 sources


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