Fed funding to boost WA road and rail safety

More than $17 million in new funding from the Federal Government will support important safety upgrades in 25 projects across Western Australia. 

The funding includes $9.9 million for 21 high-priority railway level crossing improvements across the state’s regional road network under Round 2 of the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF). 

A further $7.5 million will help fund the following four new projects under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP): 

• City of Albany – sealing, widening and improving drainage on Chillinup Road to alleviate traffic congestion and improve efficiency 

• City of Swan – construction of a Safe Active Street on Helena Street in Guildford, including reducing traffic speed to 30km/hr 

• Shire of Kondinin – sealing and upgrading a 17km gravel section of the Hyden-Norsman Road 

• Town of Victoria Park – safety improvements to the State Street and Albany Highway intersection 

The SLRIP is part of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthen investment to support the delivery of safer and more productive roads across Australia.  

The RLCUF aims to improve railway crossing safety in regional areas and reduce serious and fatal accidents that have a devastating impact on communities. 

The 21 level crossing upgrades will include treatments such as flashing lights and boom gates or bells, pedestrian mazes and improved signage. 

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the Federal Government has increased funding to both the SLRIP and the Roads to Recovery Program to support councils to maintain and repair their local road networks. 

“By delivering the funding local councils need to improve road safety we’re freeing up money to be spent on projects that benefit local communities.  

“The Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program is delivering safer, more productive and more resilient local roads across Western Australia and the rest of the country.”  

Federal Member for Brand, Madeleine King, said Western Australia is the engine room of the nation’s economy and the arteries of any economy are road and rail networks. 

“These upgrades will help farmers and miners get their products to their destinations faster and safer, creating more jobs and wealth for all. 

“The Federal Government is investing in regional communities that support Western Australia’s agriculture and resources sector.”