Federal Government Secures $225M for Major Perth Intersection Upgrade, Tackling WA's Worst Traffic Bottleneck
April 7, 2025
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

