West Coast Highway Planning Study

Ongoing revitalisation of Scarborough and substantial investments continue to transform Scarborough Beach and its foreshore. As the area evolves, we want to better connect Scarborough with an upgrade to West Coast Highway based on a plan that provides safer and more convenient access for locals, people from all over Perth and travellers far and wide.

Already under pressure with high traffic volumes of almost 40,000 vehicles per day, West Coast Highway has been forecasted to increase to 50,000 vehicles per day by 2041 as Scarborough’s population and visitor numbers continue to grow.

In addition, the road is dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists when crossing and accessing local business along the road.

Key features of our planning concept include:

• A centrally located three-lane lowered road section, which allows regional traffic to pass under the intersections at Brighton Road, Scarborough Beach Road and Manning Street
• New, lower speed and lower volume parallel roads at ground level that are easier to cross, providing improved connectivity and accessibility
• Full movement intersections at Brighton Road, Scarborough Beach Road and Manning Street remaining at surface level and operating grade-separated from regional traffic, allowing better east-west movements for local traffic
• Generous intersections with purpose-built pedestrian crossing points
• Wider verges for paths, landscaping and public amenities with minimal additional land impacts

Concept animation

 Who has been involved in the planning review?

State and Local Government representatives involved in the planning review included DevelopmentWA, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, Department of Transport, Public Transport Authority and the City of Stirling.

 What are the benefits of a centrally located lowered road?

A centrally lowered road section will improve local amenity by allowing regional traffic to pass under local road intersections. Parallel roads at the surface will be less congested and easier to negotiate, with multiple crossing points allowing easy access for Scarborough’s residents, visitors, as well as businesses and their passing trade.

This plan presents a sustainable solution with reduced project costs, delivery timeframes and construction disruptions. It allows regional traffic (i.e. traffic travelling to destinations outside this area) to pass under major intersections, including at Scarborough Beach Road. It also allows us to improve safety for other road users by providing more purpose-built pedestrian and cyclist crossing points, re-connecting the communities either side of the highway.

 What other options have been considered?

We have assessed several options, including road widening and a tunnel. Our concept offers the most benefits in terms of minimising property impacts, reducing travel times, improving safety, and providing local amenity.

 How will pedestrian/cyclist connectivity be maintained or improved with this option?

The plan includes multiple crossing points along West Coast Highway that will offer additional safer pedestrian and cyclist opportunities. These points will offer better access and connectivity to the current principal shared path along the coast.

Read more in our Frequently Asked Questions. 

 Project information

• Community Feedback Results - PDF (442 KB)
• Information Sheet - January 2022 - PDF (2MB)
• Frequently Asked Questions - Word document (242 KB)

 Media Statements

• Community supports plan to protect future of West Coast Highway - 16 June 2022
• Community to have their say in West Coast Highway planning study - 1 December 2021

 Funding

This concept is not currently funded for construction. This is a future planning study only, with the aim of protecting the land required.