Question Without Notice No. 455 asked in the Legislative Council on 23 August 2017 by Hon Rick Mazza
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
MUCHEA LIVESTOCK CENTRE — INTERSECTION
455. Hon RICK MAZZA to the minister representing the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the intersection of Great Northern Highway and Muchea East Road, which is the terminus for road trains carrying livestock to the Muchea Livestock Centre.
(1) Is the minister aware that due to the limitations of the intersection, road trains towing multiple trailers from the north are unable to make the left turn without drivers having to pull over to uncouple trailers then tow them individually into Muchea East Road?
(2) Are there any plans to upgrade the intersection?
(3) If no to (2), why not?
(4) If yes to (2), what is the time frame for the works?
Hon STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The following information has been provided by the Minister for Transport.
(1) Great Northern Highway, Brand Highway and Muchea East Road are the roads that meet at this intersection. The maximum length of road trains allowed on each of the roads that lead into the intersection is 36.5 metres. Currently, road trains up to and including 36.5 metres in length are able to turn left from Great Northern Highway into Muchea East Road at the intersection.
(2) Yes. However, this will not increase the capacity of the intersection for livestock vehicles longer than 36.5 metres.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) Completion of the intersection upgrade is expected in mid-2019.