Reid Highway
Encyclopedia
Reid Highway is a major arterial highway in Perth, Western Australia
. It is allocated Route 3, and runs between Marmion Avenue, North Beach
, and West Swan Road, West Swan
, a distance of 26 kilometres (16.2 mi). For most of its length, the speed limit on Reid Highway is 90km/h, however between Marmion Avenue and Erindale Road (intersecting the Mitchell Freeway
) the limit is 70km/h, and near several intersections the limit is 80km/h. The highway is both a two-lane single carriageway from Marmion Avenue
to Erindale Road, and from Beechboro Road North to West Swan Road, and a four-lane dual carriageway between Erindale Road and Beechboro Road North and from West Swan Road to Great Northern Highway
where the road continues on as Roe Highway
. In conjunction with Tonkin Highway
and Roe Highway
, it serves as an important link between the coastal suburbs, northern suburbs, industrial areas and Perth Airport
.
newer Arterial Roads. It was first proposed in the late 1960s as the North Perimeter Highway, and a small two-lane stretch was built in early 1986 between Erindale Road and the newly-built stretch of the Mitchell Freeway
. It was renamed Reid Highway in 1989, in honour of former Governor Gordon Reid
.
The second stage of Reid Highway, between Mirrabooka Avenue and Alexander Drive - not continuous with the first stretch - was constructed in the early 1990s. It was extended east to Beechboro Road in the mid-1990s, connecting with Tonkin Highway
and linking the northern suburbs to the airport. In 1997 a further stage linked the two earlier sections (Erindale Road to Mirrabooka Avenue), and linked eastwards to West Swan Road, joining onto the existing Middle Swan Road which provided a link to Roe Highway
. In 2001 the highway was extended west to Marmion Avenue
and the Erindale-Mitchell stretch was widened, completing a road link through Perth
's inner north coastal suburbs.
This extension was highly controversial as it passes through the environmentally sensitive Carine wetlands and the Lake Carine region, which includes a vital turtle habitat. Concerns about environmental damage prompted construction delays, and slight alterations to the route.
Criticism of the quality and capacity of the highway has also been an issue. Reid Highway in Westminster (between Wanneroo Road and Mirrabooka Avenue) has no street lighting and has attracted both antisocial behaviour and a number of accidents. The stretch between Beechboro Road and West Swan Road has been similarly criticised, and areas on either side of the Mitchell Freeway are prone to heavy congestion due to being a single carriageway with only two lanes in parts.
An extension of Reid Highway from West Swan Road to Great Northern Highway
and Roe Highway
was opened on the 26th of February 2010 . The extension runs parallel to Middle Swan Road, which has been retained as a local access road. Middle Swan Road is of a relatively poor standard and capacity, and is viewed as a safety blackspot.
The intersection at Mirrabooka Avenue was also recently upgraded to a grade-separated diamond interchange. The overpass opened on 12 November 2011.
RACWA has urged the State Government to continue improving Reid Highway by grade-separating the Malaga Drive intersection and making all sections of the highway dual carriageway. The State Government has yet to committ to further upgrades.
, and West Swan Road, West Swan
. West of Marmion Avenue, the highway becomes North Beach Road.
Most junctions on the highway are at-grade and controlled. The exceptions are Wanneroo Road, Mirrabooka Avenue and Alexander Drive, which are grade-separated, and North Beach Road, Everingham Road, Duffy Road, and Lord Street, which are uncontrolled.
Perth, Western Australia
Perth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia and the fourth most populous city in Australia. The Perth metropolitan area has an estimated population of almost 1,700,000....
. It is allocated Route 3, and runs between Marmion Avenue, North Beach
North Beach, Western Australia
North Beach is a northern coastal suburb of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, and is located from Perth's central business district via Mitchell Freeway and Reid Highway. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling.-History:...
, and West Swan Road, West Swan
West Swan, Western Australia
West Swan is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, located in the City of Swan local government area. Bandyup Women's Prison is located in West Swan....
, a distance of 26 kilometres (16.2 mi). For most of its length, the speed limit on Reid Highway is 90km/h, however between Marmion Avenue and Erindale Road (intersecting the Mitchell Freeway
Mitchell Freeway
Mitchell Freeway is a long freeway in Perth, Western Australia, linking Perth's central business district with its outer northern suburbs. It is allocated Route 2 for its entire length and is named after former state Premier and Governor Sir James Mitchell....
) the limit is 70km/h, and near several intersections the limit is 80km/h. The highway is both a two-lane single carriageway from Marmion Avenue
Marmion Avenue
Marmion Avenue is a major arterial road in Perth, Western Australia, designated State Route 71.It runs through the northern coastal suburbs of Perth from the end of West Coast Highway in Trigg and Karrinyup, to the outer northern suburb of Yanchep...
to Erindale Road, and from Beechboro Road North to West Swan Road, and a four-lane dual carriageway between Erindale Road and Beechboro Road North and from West Swan Road to Great Northern Highway
Great Northern Highway
The Great Northern Highway is a generally north-south Western Australian highway which links the state's capital Perth with its most northern port, Wyndham. It is in length, with being National Highway...
where the road continues on as Roe Highway
Roe Highway
Roe Highway is a limited access dual carriageway in Western Australia. It links Great Northern Highway and Middle Swan Road with Kwinana Freeway. It is one of the key heavy vehicle routes in the Perth metropolitan area. Aside from intersections, the speed limit is 100 km/h for most of its length...
. In conjunction with Tonkin Highway
Tonkin Highway
Tonkin Highway, at , is a limited access dual carriageway in Perth, Western Australia, connecting Reid Highway in the north with Thomas Road in the south. Mostly a 4 lane highway, some sections of the highway are to a 4 to 6 lane freeway standard; the remainder of the highway has been designed to...
and Roe Highway
Roe Highway
Roe Highway is a limited access dual carriageway in Western Australia. It links Great Northern Highway and Middle Swan Road with Kwinana Freeway. It is one of the key heavy vehicle routes in the Perth metropolitan area. Aside from intersections, the speed limit is 100 km/h for most of its length...
, it serves as an important link between the coastal suburbs, northern suburbs, industrial areas and Perth Airport
Perth Airport
Perth Airport is an Australian domestic and international airport serving Perth, the capital and largest city of Western Australia. The airport itself is located in the suburb of Perth Airport....
.
History
Reid Highway is one of Perth'sPerth, Western Australia
Perth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia and the fourth most populous city in Australia. The Perth metropolitan area has an estimated population of almost 1,700,000....
newer Arterial Roads. It was first proposed in the late 1960s as the North Perimeter Highway, and a small two-lane stretch was built in early 1986 between Erindale Road and the newly-built stretch of the Mitchell Freeway
Mitchell Freeway
Mitchell Freeway is a long freeway in Perth, Western Australia, linking Perth's central business district with its outer northern suburbs. It is allocated Route 2 for its entire length and is named after former state Premier and Governor Sir James Mitchell....
. It was renamed Reid Highway in 1989, in honour of former Governor Gordon Reid
Gordon Reid (Governor)
Gordon Stanley Reid AC was an Australian academic who was Governor of Western Australia from 1984 to 1989....
.
The second stage of Reid Highway, between Mirrabooka Avenue and Alexander Drive - not continuous with the first stretch - was constructed in the early 1990s. It was extended east to Beechboro Road in the mid-1990s, connecting with Tonkin Highway
Tonkin Highway
Tonkin Highway, at , is a limited access dual carriageway in Perth, Western Australia, connecting Reid Highway in the north with Thomas Road in the south. Mostly a 4 lane highway, some sections of the highway are to a 4 to 6 lane freeway standard; the remainder of the highway has been designed to...
and linking the northern suburbs to the airport. In 1997 a further stage linked the two earlier sections (Erindale Road to Mirrabooka Avenue), and linked eastwards to West Swan Road, joining onto the existing Middle Swan Road which provided a link to Roe Highway
Roe Highway
Roe Highway is a limited access dual carriageway in Western Australia. It links Great Northern Highway and Middle Swan Road with Kwinana Freeway. It is one of the key heavy vehicle routes in the Perth metropolitan area. Aside from intersections, the speed limit is 100 km/h for most of its length...
. In 2001 the highway was extended west to Marmion Avenue
Marmion Avenue
Marmion Avenue is a major arterial road in Perth, Western Australia, designated State Route 71.It runs through the northern coastal suburbs of Perth from the end of West Coast Highway in Trigg and Karrinyup, to the outer northern suburb of Yanchep...
and the Erindale-Mitchell stretch was widened, completing a road link through Perth
Perth, Western Australia
Perth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia and the fourth most populous city in Australia. The Perth metropolitan area has an estimated population of almost 1,700,000....
's inner north coastal suburbs.
This extension was highly controversial as it passes through the environmentally sensitive Carine wetlands and the Lake Carine region, which includes a vital turtle habitat. Concerns about environmental damage prompted construction delays, and slight alterations to the route.
Criticism of the quality and capacity of the highway has also been an issue. Reid Highway in Westminster (between Wanneroo Road and Mirrabooka Avenue) has no street lighting and has attracted both antisocial behaviour and a number of accidents. The stretch between Beechboro Road and West Swan Road has been similarly criticised, and areas on either side of the Mitchell Freeway are prone to heavy congestion due to being a single carriageway with only two lanes in parts.
An extension of Reid Highway from West Swan Road to Great Northern Highway
Great Northern Highway
The Great Northern Highway is a generally north-south Western Australian highway which links the state's capital Perth with its most northern port, Wyndham. It is in length, with being National Highway...
and Roe Highway
Roe Highway
Roe Highway is a limited access dual carriageway in Western Australia. It links Great Northern Highway and Middle Swan Road with Kwinana Freeway. It is one of the key heavy vehicle routes in the Perth metropolitan area. Aside from intersections, the speed limit is 100 km/h for most of its length...
was opened on the 26th of February 2010 . The extension runs parallel to Middle Swan Road, which has been retained as a local access road. Middle Swan Road is of a relatively poor standard and capacity, and is viewed as a safety blackspot.
Future works
The junction at Alexander Drive was recently upgraded to a grade-separated diamond interchange. The overpass opened on 16 April 2011 .The intersection at Mirrabooka Avenue was also recently upgraded to a grade-separated diamond interchange. The overpass opened on 12 November 2011.
RACWA has urged the State Government to continue improving Reid Highway by grade-separating the Malaga Drive intersection and making all sections of the highway dual carriageway. The State Government has yet to committ to further upgrades.
Interchanges and exits
Reid Highway runs between Marmion Avenue, North BeachNorth Beach, Western Australia
North Beach is a northern coastal suburb of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, and is located from Perth's central business district via Mitchell Freeway and Reid Highway. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling.-History:...
, and West Swan Road, West Swan
West Swan, Western Australia
West Swan is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, located in the City of Swan local government area. Bandyup Women's Prison is located in West Swan....
. West of Marmion Avenue, the highway becomes North Beach Road.
Most junctions on the highway are at-grade and controlled. The exceptions are Wanneroo Road, Mirrabooka Avenue and Alexander Drive, which are grade-separated, and North Beach Road, Everingham Road, Duffy Road, and Lord Street, which are uncontrolled.
Marmion Avenue, CarineCarine, Western AustraliaCarine is a suburb of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, and is located north of Perth's central business district between Marmion Avenue and Mitchell Freeway. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling.-History:...
, Watermans Bay & North BeachNorth Beach, Western AustraliaNorth Beach is a northern coastal suburb of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, and is located from Perth's central business district via Mitchell Freeway and Reid Highway. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling.-History:...
.- North Beach Road, CarineCarine, Western AustraliaCarine is a suburb of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, and is located north of Perth's central business district between Marmion Avenue and Mitchell Freeway. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling.-History:...
& KarrinyupKarrinyup, Western AustraliaKarrinyup is a suburb of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, and is located 12 km north of Perth's central business district. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling...
. - Everingham Road, CarineCarine, Western AustraliaCarine is a suburb of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, and is located north of Perth's central business district between Marmion Avenue and Mitchell Freeway. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling.-History:...
. - Okely Road, CarineCarine, Western AustraliaCarine is a suburb of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, and is located north of Perth's central business district between Marmion Avenue and Mitchell Freeway. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling.-History:...
. - Duffy Road, CarineCarine, Western AustraliaCarine is a suburb of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, and is located north of Perth's central business district between Marmion Avenue and Mitchell Freeway. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling.-History:...
. 
Mitchell FreewayMitchell FreewayMitchell Freeway is a long freeway in Perth, Western Australia, linking Perth's central business district with its outer northern suburbs. It is allocated Route 2 for its entire length and is named after former state Premier and Governor Sir James Mitchell....
, CarineCarine, Western AustraliaCarine is a suburb of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, and is located north of Perth's central business district between Marmion Avenue and Mitchell Freeway. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling.-History:...
.-
Balcatta Road, BalcattaBalcatta, Western AustraliaBalcatta is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling. It is a primarily middle-class suburb made up of mainly Italian Catholic, Greek and Macedonian Orthodox families, as well as many families from other European Orthodox religions. It is also one of...
. -
Erindale Road, HamersleyHamersley, Western AustraliaHamersley is a residential suburb 14 kilometres north-northwest of the central business district of Perth, the capital of Western Australia, and six kilometres from the Indian Ocean. The suburb adjoins two major arterial roads—Mitchell Freeway to the west and Reid Highway to the...
& BalcattaBalcatta, Western AustraliaBalcatta is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling. It is a primarily middle-class suburb made up of mainly Italian Catholic, Greek and Macedonian Orthodox families, as well as many families from other European Orthodox religions. It is also one of... -
Wanneroo Road, HamersleyHamersley, Western AustraliaHamersley is a residential suburb 14 kilometres north-northwest of the central business district of Perth, the capital of Western Australia, and six kilometres from the Indian Ocean. The suburb adjoins two major arterial roads—Mitchell Freeway to the west and Reid Highway to the...
, BalcattaBalcatta, Western AustraliaBalcatta is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling. It is a primarily middle-class suburb made up of mainly Italian Catholic, Greek and Macedonian Orthodox families, as well as many families from other European Orthodox religions. It is also one of...
, BalgaBalga, Western AustraliaBalga is a suburb of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, and is located north of Perth's central business district . Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling....
& WestminsterWestminster, Western AustraliaWestminster is a northern suburb of Perth, Western Australia. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling.Westminster was formerly the southern part of Balga but was renamed in 1994 at the request of residents. This was the name of the original estate that existed before residential subdivision...
. - Mirrabooka Avenue, BalgaBalga, Western AustraliaBalga is a suburb of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, and is located north of Perth's central business district . Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling....
, WestminsterWestminster, Western AustraliaWestminster is a northern suburb of Perth, Western Australia. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling.Westminster was formerly the southern part of Balga but was renamed in 1994 at the request of residents. This was the name of the original estate that existed before residential subdivision...
& MirrabookaMirrabooka, Western AustraliaMirrabooka is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling.Mirrabooka is the Aboriginal name for the constellation most commonly known as the Southern Cross....
. -
Alexander Drive, MirrabookaMirrabooka, Western AustraliaMirrabooka is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling.Mirrabooka is the Aboriginal name for the constellation most commonly known as the Southern Cross....
, DianellaDianella, Western AustraliaDianella is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. Its Local Government Area is the City of Stirling.Dianella was named after the botanical title of a small blue lily, Dianella revoluta, which is a narrow-leafed plant which was plentiful in the area prior to residential development. Dianella is home...
, MalagaMalaga, Western AustraliaMalaga is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, approximately 11 kilometres north of it. It is located in the City of Swan. The suburb is thought to be named after either the Spanish city of Málaga, or the Aboriginal word malaga which means ironstone. The name was approved in 1969.Malaga is an...
& NorandaNoranda, Western AustraliaNoranda is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, located mainly within the City of Bayswater and the area north of Widgee Road in the City of Swan. The suburb is a middle- to upper-middle class area with some affluent pockets...
. - Malaga Drive, MalagaMalaga, Western AustraliaMalaga is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, approximately 11 kilometres north of it. It is located in the City of Swan. The suburb is thought to be named after either the Spanish city of Málaga, or the Aboriginal word malaga which means ironstone. The name was approved in 1969.Malaga is an...
& NorandaNoranda, Western AustraliaNoranda is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, located mainly within the City of Bayswater and the area north of Widgee Road in the City of Swan. The suburb is a middle- to upper-middle class area with some affluent pockets...
. -
Tonkin HighwayTonkin HighwayTonkin Highway, at , is a limited access dual carriageway in Perth, Western Australia, connecting Reid Highway in the north with Thomas Road in the south. Mostly a 4 lane highway, some sections of the highway are to a 4 to 6 lane freeway standard; the remainder of the highway has been designed to...
, MalagaMalaga, Western AustraliaMalaga is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, approximately 11 kilometres north of it. It is located in the City of Swan. The suburb is thought to be named after either the Spanish city of Málaga, or the Aboriginal word malaga which means ironstone. The name was approved in 1969.Malaga is an...
, NorandaNoranda, Western AustraliaNoranda is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, located mainly within the City of Bayswater and the area north of Widgee Road in the City of Swan. The suburb is a middle- to upper-middle class area with some affluent pockets...
& BeechboroBeechboro, Western AustraliaBeechboro is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, located within the City of Swan.-History:The name Beechboro reflects the history of the first European owner of land in the area. In 1892 Henry Brockman subdivided land in the area. The Brockman Family were well established landowners in the Swan... -
Beechboro Road North, BeechboroBeechboro, Western AustraliaBeechboro is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, located within the City of Swan.-History:The name Beechboro reflects the history of the first European owner of land in the area. In 1892 Henry Brockman subdivided land in the area. The Brockman Family were well established landowners in the Swan... - Altone Road, BeechboroBeechboro, Western AustraliaBeechboro is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, located within the City of Swan.-History:The name Beechboro reflects the history of the first European owner of land in the area. In 1892 Henry Brockman subdivided land in the area. The Brockman Family were well established landowners in the Swan...
- Lord Street, West SwanWest Swan, Western AustraliaWest Swan is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, located in the City of Swan local government area. Bandyup Women's Prison is located in West Swan....
-
West Swan Road, West SwanWest Swan, Western AustraliaWest Swan is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, located in the City of Swan local government area. Bandyup Women's Prison is located in West Swan....
& CavershamCaversham, Western AustraliaCaversham is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, located in the City of Swan.... -
Great Northern HighwayGreat Northern HighwayThe Great Northern Highway is a generally north-south Western Australian highway which links the state's capital Perth with its most northern port, Wyndham. It is in length, with being National Highway...
, Middle SwanMiddle Swan, Western AustraliaMiddle Swan is a rural suburb of Perth, Western Australia in the Swan Valley, and forms part of the City of Swan local government area. The suburb is bisected by the Swan River...