The dangerous Denny Avenue level crossing finally has a removal date in sight with the State Government signing off on a new design to replace the notorious intersection.
Premier Mark McGowan and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti were in Armadale this week to announce the removal of the crossing and the 170-metre road which has seen 154 crashes in the past five years.
An underpass and elevated rail line at Davis Road has been chosen as the preferred solution with a new east-west road connection and an elevation of the rail line set to begin early next year.
Tenders for the project will go out to construction companies in coming months.
The notorious Denny Avenue intersection has been a major road congestion issue for Armadale communities for many years and has often been on the top of issues put forward to candidates on behalf of the Armadale community.
Its passing on by subsequent state governments has been a sore point until now.
Premier Mark McGowan said the Davis Road plan offered the best solution for train and road operations, public safety, community outcomes and cost, and was chosen following thorough analysis with stakeholders.
“Denny Avenue is the most dangerous level crossing on our rail network and it drives locals mad,” he said.
“It’s been talked about for years and now we’ve got on with the job of providing the solution and the funding to finally fix this problem and eliminate the risk of accidents between trains and cars.”
Member for Armadale Tony Buti said the decision would be very welcome news within the local community.
“Since being elected to represent the electorate of Armadale in October 2010, I have been advocating for a solution to the Denny Avenue crossing issue,” he said.
“I am delighted that the Premier and the Minister for Transport have revealed a separated railway crossing at Davis Road as the solution to the Denny Avenue railway crossing problem.
“It is what many in the community and I have been calling for.”
Ms Saffioti said the project would improve connections to the town centre and mark the start of the revitalisation program around Kelmscott Station.
“It is a major connection for communities such as Clifton Hills and Roleystone to the local high school,” she said.
“For decades this level crossing has been an issue, and I recall the challenges of crossing it when I travelled to Kelmscott Senior High School from Roleystone.
“It also aligns with the long-held vision to improve the overall community amenity and streetscape of the Kelmscott town centre.
“This work is progressing well, with the Metronet team continuing to assess options in consultation with key stakeholders prior to the Government making a final investment decision.”
