Federal Labor stumps up $225 million for notorious Reid Highway Erindale Road intersection

After weeks of uncertainty, the upgrade of one of Perth’s most notorious intersections promised by the state government under a 50/50 funding model with the Commonwealth has secured federal funding.

Monday’s Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2025 statement includes $225 million over the next eight years for the Reid Highway and Erindale Road interchange.

WAtoday understands the Coalition is gearing up to announce its support for the project, guaranteeing it goes ahead regardless of who wins the May 3 election.

The interchange was emerging as a political hot potato with WA Labor committing $225 million to for it, expecting the feds would eventually come to the party.

The money is technically not an election commitment, but rather an allocation of money included in the budget balance that was not assigned to anything in that document.

But the timing of the announcement during the election campaign and location of the two arterial roads mean Labor will hope it factors into voters minds in Cowan, Pearce and Moore.

Winning back Pearce and fending off a challenge from incumbent-turned-independent Ian Goodenough are top priorities for the Liberals in WA.

The PEFO also included $309 million to cover cost blowouts on the Metronet Byford line extension and $70 million for an upgrade to Hepburn Avenue and Wanneroo Road.

WAtoday understands the funding is related to an extra $650 million promised to the WA government for transport infrastructure, but not assigned to anything in a letter sent to WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti on the night of the federal budget.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King will visit Perth on Tuesday to announce the funding.

She said the northern suburbs were growing rapidly and needed better transport infrastructure.

“This is one of many investments the Albanese Labor Government is making to upgrade roads and rail across Western Australia, including the Metronet, which is already transforming the commutes of Perth’s northern suburbs,” she said.

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Cowan MP Anne Aly said she had been advocating for the upgrade for a decade.

“This is a much-needed upgrade that will help commuters get to and from home quicker and safer,” she said.

Both state Labor and the Liberals promised the $450 million upgrade during the WA election.

According to Main Roads WA data, the Balcatta intersection is the worst in the state for crashes, with 263 incidents over the past five years – 76 of which caused injuries.

It is also one of the most congested roads in the state, with government figures estimating it costs the economy $21.3 million per year in lost productivity.

The state predicted daily traffic volumes would increase from 60,000 in 2025 to 111,000 by 2054.

The funding will be a relief to Saffioti who last week was under pressure to explain why the WA government would want federal funding for a WA NRL team when half of its flagship Reid Highway and Erindale Road promise were unfunded.

WA Senator Michaelia Cash lashed the extra money for Metronet in the PEFO.

“Unlike Labor which has cancelled, cut and delayed more than $30 billion of infrastructure projects, the Coalition has not been proposing to cut budgeted road projects,” she said.

“The cost of Metronet has blown out by 50 per cent. WA Labor has gone cap in hand to Canberra for more money three times in just 18 months.

“The Coalition will not sign a blank cheque to the states for cost blowouts.”

Saffioti was contacted for comment.