Perth Traffic Chaos: Crash and Bushfire Disrupt Mitchell Freeway and Leach Highway
Perth commuters hoping for an early start to their weekend were met with significant traffic chaos on Friday afternoon, as a crash and a bushfire caused major disruptions on two of the city's busiest roads.
Crash on Mitchell Freeway Forces Lane Closure
A crash on the Mitchell Freeway northbound, just after Whitfords Avenue, has led to the closure of the left lane. Vision from the scene shows a white hatchback that appears to have landed in the bushland adjacent to the freeway, indicating a serious incident.
Police remain on-site managing the situation, and traffic is reported to be heavy throughout the area as a result. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and expect delays while the scene is cleared.
Bushfire Near Leach Highway Causes Additional Delays
In Perth's south, a bushfire burning next to Leach Highway also resulted in lane closures, adding to the traffic woes. Emergency WA reported the bushfire in Shelley, a suburb in Perth's south-east, shortly after 1pm on Friday afternoon.
The blaze was located near Verton Park, which borders the popular highway. In response, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services closed the left westbound lane before Marjorie Avenue to allow firefighters to tend to the fire safely.
Although the fire was reportedly extinguished by 1.35pm, authorities have warned that traffic remains slow in the area. Drivers should proceed with caution and be prepared for ongoing congestion as the aftermath is managed.
Impact on Commuters and Safety Advice
The dual incidents have created widespread traffic chaos across Perth, affecting both northern and southern routes. Commuters are urged to:
- Avoid the affected areas if possible to reduce congestion.
- Follow updates from Main Roads WA and emergency services for real-time information.
- Drive carefully and be patient, as delays are expected to persist into the evening.
These disruptions highlight the challenges faced by Perth's road network during emergency situations, with authorities working to restore normal traffic flow as quickly as possible.
