- Journey times between Ellenbrook and Morley set to halve when NorthLink WA opens in 2019
- NorthLink WA to take 80 per cent of freight off Great Northern Highway, freeing up local and tourist roads in the Swan Valley
- Construction almost complete on WA's first fauna overpass
- Shared path for pedestrians and cyclists to connect at Bayswater Road, Guildford
- The project is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and WA governments, and provides up to 7,000 direct and indirect jobs for Western Australians
Commuters travelling from Ellenbrook to Morley will have journey times slashed by half when NorthLink WA opens in 2019.
Residents in Ellenbrook and the rapidly growing north-eastern corridor will be among the big winners when the project becomes a reality, delivering a 42 kilometre freeway-to-freeway link between Morley and Muchea.
The 25-minute journey from Ellenbrook to Morley will halve, while pedestrians and cyclists will have an uninterrupted shared path linking to Guildford Road, Bayswater for the first time.
NorthLink WA will provide an efficient alternative freight route, taking about 80 per cent of trucks off Great Northern Highway, managing expected traffic growth and freeing up local and tourist roads through the Swan Valley.
Four of the State's most dangerous intersections will be eliminated with new interchanges built and progressively opened over coming months.
These will be located at Hepburn Avenue, Gnangara Road and The Promenade at Ellenbrook, and flyovers at Beechboro Road North and Marshall Road.
Construction is almost complete on Western Australia's first fauna overpass, providing a safe crossing for kangaroos, bandicoots, quenda and a variety of other wildlife including reptiles.
NorthLink WA is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Western Australian governments, and is being delivered by Main Roads Western Australia.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"Creating jobs for Western Australians is my Government's number one priority, and NorthLink WA will deliver around 7,000 direct and indirect local jobs.
"Ellenbrook is a huge growth area with the population expected to exceed 47,000 people by 2031. It's important we continue to plan for the future and deliver congestion-busting infrastructure to reduce travel times, giving local families more time to do the things that really matter.
"This new highway will provide much needed extra road capacity for future population growth, and along with the proposed Ellenbrook rail, provide much needed alternate transport options.
"It's another important piece in our plans to connect Perth suburbs and reduce congestion in our city."
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"NorthLink WA will connect Muchea to Morley and roughly halve travel time for the residents of Ellenbrook.
"The new shared path provides cyclists and pedestrians the opportunity to enjoy a seamless journey to the Midland Line shared path, connecting Ellenbrook to the wider cycling network for the first time.
"This is one of several projects we are working on to solve congestion issues around Ellenbrook, with New Lord Street nearing completion, Reid Highway widening starting next year and the Morley-Ellenbrook Line in its detailed planning phase."
As stated by Swan Hills MLA Jessica Shaw:
"Getting in and out of Ellenbrook during peak hour is incredibly difficult - with the expected population growth in the coming years it's important we look at expanding transport options.
"NorthLink WA will almost halve the travel time between Morley and Ellenbrook, easing the time local commuters need to spend on the road.
"The shared bike path creates more options for commuters who may wish to ride or walk to work.
"Combined with Ellenbrook rail, our local area will soon benefit from multiple forms of transport.
"It's great to see our community is finally getting the things we need and deserve."
