Reid Highway
Upgrade works on Reid Highway in Western Australia. Credit: Outrune.

Western Australia Government contractor Decmil has started work on upgrading Perth’s last remaining section of Reid Highway, turning it into a dual carriageway.

Transport minister Rita Saffioti officially started the 4km dual-carriageway upgrade of Reid Highway between Altone Road and West Swan Road.

The project is likely to generate approximately 400 jobs for the region.

Saffioti said: “This project is the latest milestone in the transformation of the road network in Perth’s north-eastern corridor.

“With NorthLink and New Lord Street approaching completion, we are slashing travel times for residents and commuters, paving the way for continued growth and investment in these suburbs.

“We have been able to embark on a record number of road projects, including this Reid Highway upgrade, thanks to this government’s decision to stop construction of Roe 8 and redirect its funding to much more needed projects across the suburbs and regional WA.”

The A$77.5m project is being financed through the redirection of funds from the flawed Perth Freight Link project.

As part of the project, a new shared path for pedestrians and cyclists will be built. The project also involves construction of a bridge over the highway at Arthur Street.

The Arthur Street Bridge will join Reid Highway and other major upgrades aimed at improving local access for residents of Caversham and Dayton, and reducing traffic on the intersection of Lord Street and Reid Highway.

The bridge will provide alternative access for buses to cross Reid Highway.

“We are slashing travel times for residents and commuters.”

These projects include New Lord Street, NorthLink WA, Morley-Ellenbrook Line, the 355 bus services, as well as investment in new shared paths.

Once complete, the upgrades are intended to boost access to the Swan Valley, improve local connectivity and connect the growing communities of Caversham and Dayton.

The Australian Government has committed A$56m for the project, while the Western Australia state authority has agreed to provide A$14m.

The City of Swan will contribute A$7.5m towards the Arthur Street Bridge.