A section of Shanley Road is now closed for several years as part of the Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade (THETRU) project.
An official notice of the closure was first issued by the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale on November 3 last year, followed by a public consultation period.
Main Roads WA said one submission was received during the consultation period, which did not raise concerns about the closure itself but instead provided feedback on general design elements.
From Monday, January 12, Shanley Road was closed between Coogly Road and South Western Highway to allow for the safe construction of a new Tonkin Highway bridge over Shanley Road.
“As part of the THETRU project, Tonkin Highway is being extended 14 kilometres from Thomas Road to South Western Highway as a four-lane dual carriageway,” a Main Roads spokesperson said.
“The new Tonkin Highway will bridge over Shanley Road which will be upgraded and widened as part of the project.”
Main Roads WA said local access would be maintained throughout the closure period, with traffic management arrangements directing through-traffic to Watkins Road, South Western Highway and Wright Road, which are designed to carry higher traffic volumes.
The spokesperson said both Shanley and Coogly Roads were single-carriageway local roads.
Serpentine Jarrahdale residents voiced their concerns about the condition of Coogly Road in the comments section of the THETRU Facebook page.
“The state of Coogly is ridiculous,” one resident commented.
“One-car width with huge drop offs on the side and an unsafe turn-off onto the highway into 110 zone. Surely upgrades should have taken place before the closure.”
Main Roads said Coogly Road was under the responsibility of the shire.
“(Coogly Road) provides local access only, is reported as a low-usage road and is not expected to attract new or increased through-traffic during the closure,” the spokesperson said.
Main Roads said emergency access and bushfire response requirements had been incorporated into the traffic management plan in consultation with the shire, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and other emergency management stakeholders.
“This includes planning around fire access tracks, hydrant access, clear zones and how traffic will be managed if an emergency occurs,” the spokesperson said.
“If an emergency does occur, the relevant emergency service, such as DFES would take control and provide directions to the community.”
Main Roads WA said the primary evacuation routes for residents affected by the closure would be South Western Highway or Wright Road, and traffic conditions would continue to be monitored and adjusted if required.
According to Main Roads, the project is expected for completion in late 2028.
The shire has been contacted for comment regarding its Coogly Road responsibility.
