NORTHLINK WA will eventually lead to the establishment of an intermodal transport hub for Bullsbrook, as well as increased job prospects to the Ellenbrook and Bullsbrook communities, according to the Swan Hill MLA Frank Alban.

Mr Alban, Pearce MHR Christian Porter and Transport Minister Dean Nalder attended a turning of the sod for stage one of NorthLink WA at the Woking Reserve on Wednesday, June 15.

When completed the $1.12 billion NorthLink WA project will provide a non-stop route between Morley and Muchea.

The State Government will contribute $223 million and the Federal Government $894m towards the project, which will help provide a freight route and predicted traffic increases as the state’s population increases towards an expected population increase of 3.5 million people.

Mr Nalder said flyover passes would be built at the intersections of Benara, Beechboro and Marshall roads.

Interchanges will be built at the intersections of Collier Rd, Morley Dr, Hepburn Ave, Gnangara Rd and The Promenade in Ellenbrook.

Tonkin Hwy will be upgraded to a six-lane freeway between Reid Hwy and Guildford Rd.

Included in the design of the NorthLink WA project will be a safe and separate pedestrian and cycling facility.

“Travelling on the freight route from Kewdale to Muchea, NorthLink WA will potentially avoid up to 16 sets of traffic lights, one railway crossing and 21 speed limit changes,” he said.

When completed NorthLink WA is expected to remove four dangerous intersections.

Mr Nalder said the project would benefit Swan Valley residents and tourists.