Published on Tuesday, 5 April 2022 at 8:19:18 AM
The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement in its 2022-23 Budget of $145 million towards a major upgrade of Thomas Road.
In an announcement by Federal Member for Canning Andrew Hastie MP, the project will:
• Build a new grade separated interchange at the intersection of Tonkin Highway and Thomas Road;
• Duplicate approximately 2.8 kilometres of Thomas Road east of Tonkin Highway toward the South Western Highway; and
• Include 2.8 kilometres of new Principal Shared Path along the southern verge of Thomas Road.
Shire President Cr Michelle Rich welcomed the $145 million commitment, which represents a 50% contribution towards the $290 million project.
“Road safety consistently rates as one of the highest areas of community concern. As one of the fastest growing local government areas in WA, our ageing road network is not suitable for the increased traffic that accompanies this rapid growth,” Cr Rich said.
“The Serpentine Jarrahdale Council has been advocating for the duplication of Thomas Road, between Tonkin Highway and South Western Highway, for many years.
“The delivery of a new grade separated interchange at the intersection of Tonkin Highway and Thomas Road and the inclusion of 2.8 km of new Principal Shared Path along the southern verge of Thomas Road are also fantastic outcomes for our community, as well as facilitating safe and efficient east-west connections on Thomas Road.”
Ahead of the Federal election, Cr Rich said the Council hoped to receive bi-partisan support from the Federal Labor Party for the Thomas Road funding.
“With more than 23,000 vehicles travelling on Thomas Road between Tonkin Highway and South Western Highway each day, we hope that the Federal Labor Party will also support this critical community project.”
Cr Rich said the Shire would continue its advocacy for the duplication of Thomas Road with the State Government.
“The State Government has been a strong supporter of road investment in our region over recent years and we look forward to continue working constructively with the Premier Mark McGowan, Transport, Planning and Ports Minister Rita Saffioti and our local MLA, Hugh Jones, to secure the $145 million State Government commitment required for this project,” Cr Rich said.
View the Shire's Federal Government Election Priorities and Requests.
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