Principal Shared Path Expansion Program

A principal shared path (PSP) is a high-quality shared path for walking and riding, built to Main Roads WA PSP standard. This generally means the path will be 4 m wide, have adequate lighting and be grade separated at intersections.

PSPs form the backbone of the Western Australian bike network, and often follow freeway and rail corridors. PSPs provide for safer off-road travel, with minimal interruption from other traffic, and more direct riding and walking trips.

To create more enjoyable walking and riding experiences, where possible, efforts are made to enhance the amenity of PSPs. For example, artwork may be included in walls and underpasses and the incorporation of natural landscaping is prioritised as part of the green transport route initiative.

Expanding the PSP network is a key action of the Western Australian Bicycle Network Plan 2014-2031 (WABN Plan) and is being delivered as part of state-wide major transport infrastructure projects such as METRONET.

The WABN Plan includes a series of key actions, designed to provide a safe and sustainable bicycle network between major activity and attraction areas.

Initial works were concentrated within a 15 km radius of the Perth central area with a particular emphasis along the freeway and railway corridors, due to high commuter demand.

From 2023 the focus has moved to areas beyond the 15 km radius of the Perth central area to provide greater connectivity for strategic activity centres.

Completed projects

Recently completed PSP projects; projects in construction or projects in planning stages are itemised on the Principal Shared Path Projects map (document below). Recently delivered projects include:

• Mitchell Freeway, Civic Place to Reid Highway 
• Perth-Armadale Line, Kelvin Road to Albany Highway
• Glendalough to Balcatta along the Mitchell Freeway
• Grant Street to North Fremantle along the Perth-Fremantle Line
• Cranford Avenue along Kwinana Freeway
• Fremantle Line – Shenton Park to Loch Street
• Kwinana Freeway – Scandrett Way to London Way
• Kwinana Freeway – Mill Point Road to Thelma Street
• Mitchell Freeway – Erindale Road to Balcatta Road
• Midland Line – Success Hill Station to Railway Parade.

As part of the Malaga Drive interchange upgrade and Gateway WA project around Perth Airport, new PSP connections have also been delivered along the Reid, Leach, Roe and Tonkin Highways.

Information about specific PSP projects is published in the WABN Annual Progress Reports available on the WABN Plan webpage. Key projects are also listed in the Building for Tomorrow website (search “shared paths”).

Current projects

There are a number of projects funded by the PSP Program in varying stages of implementation from planning and design development to construction:

• Perth-Armadale Line 
  • Bishopsgate to Miller Street
  • GEH to Bishopsgate
  • Dorothy St to Tonkin Hwy
  • Lake Rd to Westfield Rd
  • Bray St to Challis Station
• Perth-Fremantle Line
  • North Fremantle Station to Swan River
  • Swan River to Fremantle Station
• Kwinana Freeway
  • Canning Highway to Mount Henry Bridge (upgrade)
• Mitchell Freeway
  • Reid Highway to Warwick Road
• Thomas Street/Winthrop Avenue
  • Stirling Highway to Aberdare Road
  • Aberdare Road to Kings Park Road
  • Kings Park Road to Mitchell Freeway.
     

PSP projects are being evaluated in line with the Department of Transport’s PSP Key Investment Projects Evaluation Plan, which has adopted a summative evaluation framework that considers impacts, cost effectiveness and efficiency of project delivery. A full report is due to be published in June 2024.