Welshpool Road Duplication: Stage Two Service Relocation Works
Current Works
The City of Canning is preparing to commence Stage 2 service relocation works in consultation with the service providers for power and communications as part of the Welshpool Road Duplication Project.
This stage will be delivered from approximately 06 January 2026 to 01 May 2026 within the existing road reserve and are expected to result in minimal disruption to traffic flow and access along Welshpool Road.
Stage 2 scope includes:
- Removal of existing unmetered supply pit and high voltage cables
- Installation of new low voltage cables, high voltage cables, low voltage kiosk and district substation
- Relocation and/or replacement of streetlights
While efforts will be made to minimise disruptions, some minor impacts may occur due to construction activities.
Construction hours
Work will generally be undertaken during normal work hours with any variations communicated with the businesses and community.
The City will continue to keep local businesses and residents informed throughout the construction period to ensure access and operational impacts are managed effectively.
Project Progress Update
Stage 1 works reached practical completion in November 2025, with Stage 2 works expected to commence in January/February 2026.
The City will be finalising the detailed design for Stage 3 road construction and is currently considering the findings from the road safety audit undertaken in April 2025. It is anticipated that the project will go to tender later in the 25/26 financial year.
The proposed design for Stage 3 will be open for public comment and includes:
- Upgrading existing carriageway from a four-lane undivided road to a four-lane divided road with a central median treatment facilitating right turn movements at intersections.
- Maximising road safety improvements with the removal of right turning movement out of Furnace Road; drivers will need to use alternate routes to access Welshpool Road westbound. A U-turn facility will be provided for cars only wanting to travel in a westbound direction on Welshpool Road. Heavy vehicles will need to either use Kurnall Road to Orrong Road or travel west along Furnace Road to the Treasure Road and Welshpool Road to turn in a westerly direction.
The proposed changes are intended to improve road safety in the area and will complete the duplication of Welshpool Road through the City of Canning.
Project Delivery
The project is expected to be delivered in three stages:
Stage | Description | Status |
1 | Earthworks and site works for the southern carriageway, including water main relocation | Completed |
2 | Service relocation works | In progress |
3 | Road construction works | In progress |
Project Background
The Welshpool Road Duplication project involves reconstructing the existing road and upgrading it to a dual carriageway to improve safety and access for surrounding developments, including the Sam Kerr Football Centre and 33-37 Murray Road. The project includes a landscaped median with pedestrian and cyclist refuges at intersections, upgraded double outreach lighting along the median to replace existing lighting, and widened verges to accommodate a shared path on the southern side, completing the link between McDowell Street and Wharf Street. These upgrades aim to improve safety and reduce crash frequency and severity along the corridor. This project is being funded two-thirds through Main Roads WA’s Metropolitan Regional Road Group (MRRG) Road Improvement Program.
Project Scope
The primary objectives of the project are to improve road safety, increase capacity, and enhance access for current and future developments along this key corridor. Specific outcomes to be achieved include:
Pavement Reconstruction
The existing pavement has deteriorated in several areas and requires full reconstruction to ensure long-term structural integrity and performance.
Dual Carriageway Upgrade
The road will be upgraded to a dual carriageway to support improved traffic flow and provide safer, more efficient access to adjacent developments on both sides of the road.
Access to Key Developments
The design will optimise access to key sites, including the Sam Kerr Football Centre and the 33–37 Murray Road development site, which are significant regional assets.
Safety Improvements for Pedestrians and Cyclists
A new 6-metre-wide landscaped median will be constructed, incorporating pedestrian and cyclist refuges with a minimum width of 2.5 metres at intersections to enhance safety for active transport users.
Lighting Upgrade
The existing lighting infrastructure is limited and inconsistent, with poles primarily located on the northern side of the road. The project includes the installation of double outreach lighting along the new median to improve visibility and safety.
Shared Path Connectivity
Verge widening along the southern side of the corridor will enable the installation of a shared path, completing a missing link in the local active transport network between McDowell Street and Wharf Street.
Crash Reduction
The project aims to reduce both the frequency and severity of crashes along this corridor, which recorded 25 crashes between 2018 and 2022 (Furnace Road to McDowell Street).
This project aligns with the following strategic objectives:
- Metropolitan Regional Road Group – Road Improvement Program
- City of Canning Integrated Transport Strategy
- City of Canning Land Utilisation Plan 2021–2025
