The Stephenson Avenue Extension project team has celebrated a key project milestone, with the opening of a new 1.4km Principal Shared Path (PSP) connection along Perth’s northern freeway on Saturday 16 May.

The new path is now delivering a safer, more connected journey for people walking and riding to Perth and closes the long-standing missing link in Perth’s northern suburbs active transport network.

A key feature of the new PSP is a brightly coloured pedestrian underpass, which provides a safer and more direct route for users travelling underneath Stephenson Avenue.

Project Director, Barry Perry, reflected on the benefits of the PSP to the local community.

“Providing a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians is great for encouraging local residents to keep active on their commute," Barry said.

"The local artwork adds vibrancy to the whole area."

"We're proud to be working with our Alliance partners WSP to deliver this practical and striking element of the project for Main Roads WA.” he said.

The Stephenson Avenue underpass features a mural that celebrates the area’s land, history and diverse communities. It adds both character and visual interest to the upgraded connection for pedestrians and cyclists alike.

The artwork draws inspiration from the precinct’s market garden heritage, which shaped the local identity for generations.

Local artists David Ledger and Joanne Clark created the design, using a patchwork quilt theme to symbolise growth, connection and continuity. Their approach draws from Mediterranean ceramics and fabrics, using vivid colours and patterns to create a strong visual presence.

The mural has been designed to work at multiple scales. It offers a bold, cohesive impact from a distance while revealing more detailed elements for people moving through the underpass on foot or by bike.

Delivery of the new PSP involved close coordination from multiple teams working across the construction, drainage, lighting and landscaping elements to safely complete works and bring the new infrastructure online.

The shared path improves safety and accessibility for people moving through the area, with the underpass adding a meaningful creative element to the project’s urban design.