Road Photos & Information: Western Australia
Graham Farmer Freeway, Orrong Road and Welshpool Road East (State Route 8)
Statistics:
- Length:
- 25 km
- Termini:
- Eastern: Canning Rd (SR41), Carmel
- Western: Mitchell Fwy (SR2), Northbridge
- Suburbs, Towns & Localities Along Route:
- Northbridge, Perth, East Perth, Burswood, Rivervale, Lathlain, Kewdale, Carlisle, Welshpool, East Cannington, Wattle Grove, Lesmurdie and Carmel
Route Numbering:
- Current: 8
- Former: 34 35
- Road Authority Internal Classification: 1
- H020 (Northbridge to Rivervale)
- H027 (Rivervale to Wattle Grove)
General Information:
State Route 8 is a major artery in the Perth suburban road system, linking the CBD with the upper outer south eastern suburbs of Perth.
The freeway's name is a tribute to the West Australian, Australian rules footballer, Graham "Polly" Farmer.
When it was built, between 1996 and 2000, the freeway incorporated Western Australia's first freeway tunnel, the Northbridge Tunnel. The six lanes of the tunnel are divided into twin tube three lane tunnels stretching for 1.6 km, with the leftmost lane reserved as an emergency stopping lane. Additionally the 406 metre, six lane Windan Bridge crossing the Swan River was constructed as were nine traffic and pedestrian bridge structures.
Stage 1 was a finalist for the 2001 Australian Construction Achievement Award. The freeway bridges construction stage also won an award from Austroads, the Association of Australian and New Zealand Road Transport and Traffic Authorities. Over 180 000 cubic metres of concrete were used in its construction. Art work was commissioned for both ends of the tunnel. At the western end there is a pictorial history of Northbridge, and at the eastern end the Aboriginal artist Ron Corbett created images based on indigenous artwork.
The freeway's eastern terminus is located at the Great Eastern Highway (NH94) / Orrong Road (SR8) interchange in Burswood. The freeway continues as an arterial road - Orrong Road, then eventually Welshpool Road East.
Orrong Road acts as a connector between the Graham Farmer Freeway and Welshpool Road East. It's dual carriageway for it's length.
Welshpool Road East is a 4 lane section is an entire dual carriageway; it changes to a 2 to 3 lane single carriageway after climbing most of the Darling Scarp. Welshpool Road East came about when the Graham Farmer Fwy was opened - Orrong Road extended to meet Welshpool Rd East.
Welshpool Road East is the continuation of Orrong Road.
History:
- September 1996: Construction of the Graham Farmer Fwy begins. 2
- February 1997: Great Eastern Hwy / Orrong Rd interchange opened 2
- 24 April 2000: The Graham Farmer Freeway was officially opened to traffic at midnight. 2
- January 2006: Construction begins on the Leach Hwy grade separated interchange. 2
- 20 May 2007: The interchange with the Leach Highway was opened to traffic. 2
Northbridge to Carmel
Mitchell Freeway Interchange:
Ramp from Mitchell Fwy (SR2) onto the eastbound carriageway of Graham Farmer Fwy (SR8), Northbridge, 2004.
Image © Phillip McCallum
Advance Directional Sign:
AD sign approaching the Charles St (SR60) interchange at Northbridge. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Advance Directional Sign:
AD sign located within the Charles St interchange at Northbridge, for East Pde (SR66). February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Tunnel Portal:
Western end of the tunnel under the suburb of Northbridge. February 2008. The road above the tunnel is Fitzgerald St (SR56)
Image © Paul Rands
Inside Tunnel:
Inside the Graham Farmer Fwy (SR8) tunnel at Northbridge. December 2012.
Image © Paul Rands
Near East Pde:
The exit ramps to East Pde run parallel with Graham Farmer Freeway for around 500 metres and also service Lord Street (photo taken from pedestrian overpass to Claisebrook Suspension Bridge), 2004.
Image © Phillip McCallum
Windan Bridge looking east:
Graham Farmer Freeway crosses the Swan River on Windan bridge. Viewed from western end, with airport control tower visible at back, 2004.
Image © Phillip McCallum
Advance Directional Sign:
AD sign for East Pde (SR66) as you approach the footbridge near Claisebrook railway station. December 2012.
Image © Paul Rands
East Parade Interchange:
Looking eastbound through the East Pde interchange, East Perth. December 2012.
Image © Paul Rands
Intersection Directional Sign:
ID sign assembly within the East Pde (SR66) interchange, East Perth. December 2012.
Image © Paul Rands
Intersection Directional Sign:
ID sign assembly within the East Pde (SR66) interchange, East Perth. December 2012.
Image © Paul Rands
Advance Directional Sign:
Eastbound at East Perth as you pass under East Parade (SR66), with the AD sign for the Victoria Park Drive interchange on the left of shot. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Windan Bridge:
Crossing the Swan River via the Windan Bridge at East Perth. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Windan Bridge:
Windan bridge side view as it crosses the Swan River, 2004.
Image © Phillip McCallum
Bike path under Windan Bridge:
Underneath the road deck of Windan bridge is a bike track built into the bridge structure, 2004.
Image © Phillip McCallum
Approaching Victoria Park Drive:
Looking southeast as you approach the ramp to Victoria Park Drive in Burswod. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Advance Directional Sign:
AD sign for the interchange with the Great Eastern Hwy (NR1 / NH94) at Burswood. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Great Eastern Highway Interchange:
Looking southeast through the interchange with the Great Eastern Highway at Rivervale. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
End Freeway:
Official end of freeway conditions, as the Graham Farmer Fwy transitions to Orrong Rd at Rivervale. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Distance Sign:
RD sign heading southeast on Orrong Rd at Rivervale, near Francisco Street. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Typical Conditions:
Suburban arterial conditions as you drive southwest on Orrong Road at Rivervale. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Advance Directional Sign:
AD sign as you approach the interchange with the Leach Hwy (SR7) at Kewdale. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Leach Hwy Interchange:
Looking southeast through the Leach Hwy interchange at Kewdale. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Leach Hwy Interchange:
Looking southeast through the Leach Hwy interchange at Kewdale. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Advance Directional Sign:
AD sign approaching the interchange with Roe Hwy (SR3) and the continuation of SR8, Welshpool Road East at Welshpool. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Roe Highway Interchange:
The southbound turn lane for the Roe Hwy (SR3) at Welshpool. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Advance Directional Sign:
AD sign for the intersection with Tonkin Hwy (SR4) at Wattle Grove. February 2008, near Bruce Road.
Image © Paul Rands
Tonkin Highway Intersection:
Looking east at Wattle Grove at the junction with the Tonkin Hwy (SR4). February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Trailblazer:
Trailblazer on Welshpool Rd East (SR8) at Wattle Grove, after Tonkin Hwy (SR4), April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Welcome to The Perth Hills:
Tourism orientated sign announcing the Perth Hills, as you climb up the Darling Scarp. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Typical Conditions:
Arterial road conditions as Welshpool Road East makes its way up the Darling Scarp at Wattle Grove. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
End dual carriageway:
The arterial road conditions cease at Lesmurdie. Here we are looking eastbound near Logie Vale. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Black Fingerboard:
Black fingerboard at the corner of Welshpool Rd East (SR8) and Pomeroy Rd at Lesmurdie, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Approaching Eastern Terminus:
Eastbound at Carmel. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
End State Route 8:
Approaching the end of SR8 at Carmel. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
SR8 Terminus:
The end of State Route 8 as it meets with Canning Road (SR40) at Carmel. February 2008.
Image © Paul Rands
Carmel to Northbridge
Heavy Vehicle Speed Limit:
Heavy vehicle speed limit on Welshpool Rd East (SR8) at Lesmurdie as the road begins its descent down the Darling Scarp, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Steep Descent:
Warning for steep descent as Welshpool Rd East (SR8) descends the Darling Scarp at Lesmurdie, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Steep Descent:
Warning for steep descent as Welshpool Rd East (SR8) descends the Darling Scarp at Lesmurdie, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Heavy Vehicle Speed Limit:
Heavy vehicle speed limit on Welshpool Rd East (SR8) at Lesmurdie as the road descends down the Darling Scarp, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Steep Descent:
Warning for steep descent near Gladys Rd as Welshpool Rd East (SR8) descends the Darling Scarp at Lesmurdie, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Heavy Vehicle Speed Limit:
Heavy vehicle speed limit on Welshpool Rd East (SR8) near Lions Lookout and Crystal Brook Rd at Lesmurdie as the road descends down the Darling Scarp, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Wattle Grove:
Welshpool Rd East (SR8) at Wattle Grove with Perth CBD in the distance, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
End Truck Low Gear and Heavy Vehicle Speed Zone:
End of restrictions for heavy vehicles, Welshpool Rd East (SR8) at Wattle Grove, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Advance Directional Sign:
AD sign approaching Tonkin Hwy (SR4) at Wattle Grove, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Trailblazer:
Trailblazer assembly approaching Tonkin Hwy (SR4) at Wattle Grove, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Tonkin Highway:
Welshpool Rd East (SR8) at the Tonkin Hwy (SR4) junction, Wattle Grove, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Tonkin Highway:
Welshpool Rd East (SR8) at the Tonkin Hwy (SR4) junction, Wattle Grove, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Great Eastern Highway Interchange:
Great Eastern Hwy (NH94 / NR1) interchange with Graham Farmer Fwy (SR8), Lathlain, 2004..
Image © Phillip McCallum
Approaching Victoria Park Drive:
Graham Farmer Hwy (SR8), approaching Victoria Park Dr, Rivervale, 2004.
Image © Phillip McCallum
Victoria Park Drive:
Graham Farmer Fwy (SR8) at the Victoria Park Dr interchange, Burswood, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Victoria Park Drive:
Graham Farmer Fwy (SR8) at the Victoria Park Dr interchange, Burswood, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Reasurrance Directional Sign:
Distance sign to the next 3 exits, Burswood near the Victoria Park Dr bridge, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Tunnel Clearance Sign:
Tunnel clearance sign approaching overheight checking equipment at Burswood, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Swan River:
Graham Farmer Fwy (SR8) as it crosses Swan River via Windan Bridge at Burswood, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Overheight Vehicle Sign:
Variable message sign at East Perth used to direct overheight vehicles to exit onto East Pde (SR66) and avoid the tunnel, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
East Parade Exit:
Continuing west, the East Pde (SR66) exit at Perth, April 2016. Click or tap here for a photo of this location by Phillip McCallum from 2004.
Image © Paul Rands
East Parade:
Graham Farmer Fwy (SR8) at Perth as it passes under East Pde (SR66) with signage for Mitchell Fwy (SR2), James St, Vincent St and Loftus St, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Tunnel signage near East Pde:
Indicator board of tunnel operation status, Perth, 2004.
Image © Phillip McCallum
Overheight Vehicle Sign:
Flashing light message sign at Perth used to direct overheight vehicles to exit onto Newcastle St and avoid the tunnel, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Newcastle Street:
Graham Farmer Fwy (SR8) at the interchange with Newcastle St, Perth. Claisebrook Suspension Bridge is behind the signs, and the signs are referring to exits at the other end of the tunnel. April 2016. Click or tap here for a photo of this location by Phillip McCallum from 2004.
Image © Paul Rands
East Portal Approach:
Eastern portal to the tunnels, Perth. Lord Street (SR51) passes over the top of the portals. Traffic from East Pde (SR66) finally enters main freeway just before tunnel entrance.
Image © Phillip McCallum
Driving into Eastern Portal:
Driving towards eastern portal of tunnel, Perth. April 2016. Click or tap here for a photo of this location by Phillip McCallum from 2004.
Image © Paul Rands
Entering the tunnel:
Entering the tunnel from the east, Perth. April 2016. Click or tap here for a photo of this location by Phillip McCallum from 2004.
Image © Paul Rands
Mitchell Freeway Interchange:
Upon exiting from the tunnel at Northbridge, the Graham Farmer Freeway enters the interchange with the Mitchell Fwy (SR2). The Mitchell Fwy together with the Kwinana Fwy provide rapid access to the north and south suburbs. Exiting the tunnel, you can choose to go north or south on Mitchell Fwy, or onto James St for Northbridge and the city, or Loftus Street for West Perth. April 2016. Click or tap here for a photo of this location by Phillip McCallum from 2004.
Image © Paul Rands
James Street & Mitchell Freeway:
Graham Farmer Fwy (SR8) at the interchange with Mitchell Fwy (SR2) and James St at Northbridge, April 2016.
Image © Paul Rands
Mitchell Fwy interchange:
Graham Farmer Fwy (SR8) as viewed from Mitchell Fwy (SR2), West Perth, 2004.
Image © Phillip McCallum
2 WA Government, Main Roads Western Australia.