New merging lines for Perth freeways

The federal government will spend $8.5 million to change the traffic lines on all Mitchell and Kwinana freeway on-ramps in an effort to improve traffic merging and remove the stigma widely associated with Perth drivers.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the new merge lines would be completed at all on-ramp merge points on the two freeways by April.

“To be frank, Western Australians do not have a great reputation when it comes to merging,” Mr Nalder said.

“By adopting smarter transport options, we can improve merging, reduce congestion and enhance safety.

“A total of $8.5 million will be spent on implementing new on-ramp configurations at over 70 locations on our freeways and highways to help keep traffic moving and our roads safer.”

Major Projects Minister Paul Fletcher said the project was one of nine receiving a total $499.1 million in funding under an infrastructure partnership between the federal and state governments.

“The works include installing new merge lines at on-ramps to prompt motorists to get up to speed and merge into freeway traffic in the same way they would if they were changing lanes,” he said.

“This replaces the current practice of travelling to the end of the merge lane in order to join the freeway traffic.”