Nearly $26 million worth of upgrades will be completed on Thomas Road, between Kwinana Freeway and South Western Highway, over the next two years.
Premier Mark McGowan and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti joined Matthew Swinbourn MLC to inspect the intersection of Thomas Road and Nicholson Road in Oakford, that will soon receive a much needed upgrade.
Planning and development is progressing on this crucial upgrade with construction set to begin in the latter half of next year.
A new two lane roundabout will be installed to improve safety and traffic efficiency for the 19,000 vehicles that pass through the intersection daily. The works were made possible by a joint funding partnership between the State and Federal Governments.
Safety improvement upgrades on a busy 4.3 kilometre section of Thomas Road, between Kwinana Freeway and Cumming Road in Anketell have recently been completed.
Improvement works included shoulder widening and resurfacing along with the installation of new line markings and raised road pavement markers. The upgrades will significantly improve safety for road users on this stretch of road, which has seen 114 reported crashes in the five years to December 2019.
Design and development work is also underway to improve safety at the intersection of Kargotich Road, which was listed as a State Black Spot in 2018.
The project, set to commence construction next year, will see installation of a new roundabout.
In addition, planning is also progressing to provide a dual carriageway on the one-kilometre section of Thomas Road immediately east of Kwinana Freeway, in anticipation of a commercial sector development that will create and support local jobs.
Funding for this proposed upgrade, which will include the construction of a two-lane roundabout to help ease traffic flow heading north and south, is still to be secured and discussions with the Commonwealth Government are ongoing.
Road planning is also underway to help develop the potential long-term future of the Thomas and Anketell Road freight corridor, from the proposed Kwinana Outer Harbour site to Tonkin Highway.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“My Government is committed to creating and supporting local jobs and providing opportunities for local businesses.
“The $26 million worth of upgrades to Thomas Road, undertaken in partnership with the Federal Government, will help stimulate the local economy and improve road safety.
“The work that is now underway will significantly improve safety on this important route in the immediate term, while also helping to carefully plan for the future of the road and surrounding area.”
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The completion of these crucial Thomas Road projects will improve traffic efficiency and safety, helping to carefully facilitate new commercial and industrial developments in both Casuarina and Oakford.
“The upgrades will improve safety for both road users and heavy vehicles, reducing the risk of future crashes.
“More than 19,000 vehicles currently access the busiest sections of Thomas Road each day, including 2,300 heavy vehicles. This number is expected to increase with future private sector development in the area.”
As stated by East Metropolitan MLC Matt Swinbourn:
“As someone who has driven through this area many times I have experienced the frustrations a busy intersection like this can create. That is why I am pleased that the McGowan Government is committed to essential road upgrades like these.
“Once complete it will improve traffic flow and make it easier and safer for all commuters and the many locals who navigate this intersection each and every day.”
