The project, worth $136 million, will deliver both grade separation and an at-grade roundabout for the interchange of the two thoroughfares, as well as improving the Leach Highway rail bridge south of the intersection itself. Printing services often form part of campaigns to make local communities aware of altered traffic conditions.
It is intended that the upgrades will improve the area’s flow of traffic to ease congestion and reduce commuting times. Representatives of the federal government have said the interchange is used by an estimated 50,000 drivers each day. Safety is also a consideration, with the intersection registering 224 collisions within a five-year period from 2015. Western Australia Minister for Transport and Planning, Rita Saffioti, said:
“The Leach Highway and Welshpool Road interchange is a well-known pinch point for commuters. These upgrades will improve safety, ease congestion, encourage better flow of traffic as well as saving commuters travel time during peak hour.”
The works are being carried out by a consortium of local contractors known as the Leach Welshpool Alliance, and it is estimated that up to 600 jobs will be supported. The initiative has joint funding, with the federal and state governments each shouldering half the cost.