An underpass has been constructed to connect with the local path network. Credit: Tobias Oetiker on Unsplash.

The state government of Western Australia (WA) has opened the A$73.2m ($52.6m) Wanneroo Road and Ocean Reef Road interchange to public.

The opening of the new interchange road is expected to reduce travel time by seven minutes for people living in the Northern suburbs.

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan said: “We are continuing to deliver on our election commitments to create and support local jobs while slashing travel times on our roads.

“This is part of the $2.3bn major infrastructure package we negotiated with the Australian Government in April 2017 that has seen thousands of jobs created around Perth.

“It’s projects like these that are keeping our state economy safe and strong, and moving beyond Covid-19.”

Wanneroo Road and Ocean Reef Road interchange project was jointly funded. The Australian Government offered A$58.6m ($42.1m) while the WA Government invested A$14.6m ($10.5m).

The intersection upgrade began last March and the project is said to have created more than 350 employment opportunities in the region over its duration.

Wanneroo Road is said to be the arterial passenger route and also serves as an alternative route to the Mitchell Freeway. In addition, it provides access between the Perth central business district, Joondalup and the North West Corridor.

Shared path facilities and an underpass have been constructed to connect with the local path network, offering safer access for cyclists and pedestrians.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said: “That includes an additional $1.1bn for key projects in last week’s budget that will support an estimated 6,800 direct and indirect jobs.

“We know that an economic boost and jobs are what hardworking West Australians need right now as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.”