Leach Highway-High Street Improvements

Question
The 2010-2011 State Budget allocates $2 686 000 (2012-13), and $65 300 000 (2013-2014) to Leach Highway-High Street improvements (part seven, page 432), -
(1) What works will this money fund?

(2) What community consultation has been undertaken in identifying the need for these works?

(3) Has a cost-benefit analysis of the potential options been undertaken to determine that this is the best option?

(4) If yes to (3), -

(a) what options were identified;

(b) what were the findings of the analysis;

(c) why was the planned option chosen; and

(d) will the Minister make it available to the public?

Answered on 12 October 2010

(1) These funds have been earmarked for the upgrading of High Street between Carrington Street and Stirling Highway from a four lane undivided standard to four lanes with a median. It includes the realignment of the High Street (east)/Stirling Highway intersection to provide priority for traffic movements. Whether or not the allocated funds will allow these works to be fully implemented will be clarified following the completion of project development activities which will include further consultation with stakeholders.

(2) The need for the upgrading was identified by the Freight Network Review in 2002, following the decision to delete the Fremantle Eastern Bypass. Since then, extensive consultation with key stakeholders and the community has been undertaken in planning studies with the aim of reaching a consensus on a preferred upgrading option. Community forums were held in May 2008 and March 2009.

(3) No cost-benefit analysis has been undertaken to date. However, the Department of Transport is currently arranging for a consultant to undertake this work.

(4)

(a) Four options for development of this part of the network are being assessed, ranging from modest investment in the Stirling Highway/ High Street intersection through to full scale investment to upgrade the route to ultimate design concept.

(b) The assessment has not been completed.

(c) Not applicable.

(d) The results of the assessment will be discussed with key stakeholders.