Freeway access reopens as Mandurah railway nears completion

21/12/06

As work on the Southern Suburbs Railway (SSR) progresses, freeway access from Riverside Drive has re-opened and Perth has regained an improved foreshore.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the construction of the Perth–Mandurah railway had enabled a new layout of roads on the foreshore.

The roads that have been re-opened were:

• the off-ramp from freeway southbound to Riverside Drive eastbound, which had been unavailable since May 2004
• the on-ramp from Riverside Drive westbound to freeway northbound, which had been unavailable since August 2005
• exclusive northbound bus lane across the foreshore to the Esplanade Busport via a new right side exit from the freeway northbound. This direct access for buses had been unavailable since July 2004.

“Thanks to all the motorists, pedestrians and cyclists for their patience while these works have been taking place, but as they say – no pain, no train,” Ms MacTiernan said.

“We’ve also been able to re-align Riverside Drive between Barrack Street and the freeway to free up more than two hectares of valuable space between the river and the road, creating an exciting development opportunity.”

The Minister said William Street, between The Esplanade and Riverside Drive, would be re-opened to traffic in April 2007.

There were also further road and path works near the Barrack Street/Riverside Drive intersection, and other finishing works to be completed early in 2007.