An elected Dutton Coalition Government will invest $112.5 million to duplicate the Shelley Bridge, easing traffic congestion and improving safety along the Leach Highway corridor.
Labor has neglected critical infrastructure in Western Australia. In fact, they have cut $2.4 billion of infrastructure funding to Western Australia over the next four years in the Budget.
Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, said only the Coalition will make the investments needed to help Western Australia continue as the powerhouse of the national economy.
“After three years of wasteful mismanagement by the Labor Government, the Coalition is stepping up to deliver the infrastructure Western Australia needs.
“Shelley Bridge has been a long-standing bottleneck for local residents and commuters travelling between Fremantle and Perth Airport. This investment will ease congestion, improve traffic flow, and make local roads safer.
“Only the Coalition can deliver the infrastructure that growing communities like Tangney and Swan deserve.”
Liberal Party Candidate for Tangney, Howard Ong said the bridge, built in the 1970s, struggles to handle growing traffic.
“With some 50,000 vehicles crossing daily, including heavy freight, the bridge is a bottleneck and causes major delays. This congestion has forced drivers into residential rat runs, putting local safety at risk,” Mr Ong said.
“Residents in Shelley, Riverton and Wilson deal with daily traffic headaches and dangerous near misses. This duplication is a much-needed solution for a community that’s been overlooked for too long.”
Liberal Party Candidate for Swan, Mic Fels, said locals and the City of Canning have been calling for action for years.
“The Leach Highway and the surrounding roads are under immense pressure. This project will help lift that burden and deliver the long-overdue upgrade our community needs,” Mr Fels said.
“It is not just about improving productivity, it is also about safety. Taking this traffic out of our suburban streets will make a huge difference for our residents in Swan. I’m proud to stand with the Coalition to back this vital commitment.”
Investing in the infrastructure that Western Australians need is part of the Coalition’s plan to get Australia back on track.