Nicholson Road is named after William Nicholson, who established a 1,000 acre property named "Canning Vale" in the late 19th century, a name subsequently applied to
the surrounding area. Until the construction of
Kwinana Freeway to Thomas Road in 1993, Nicholson Road was one of southern Perth's most important routes. Nicholson Road formerly crossed the
Kwinana freight railway at a
level crossing. Construction of a six-lane road bridge over the rail line to replace the crossing began in May 2017 and was completed in March 2018. In late 2020, construction of
Nicholson Road railway station at the road bridge began as part of the new
Thornlie-Cockburn Line project by
Metronet. The station opened on 8 June 2025 and provides services south to
Cockburn Central and north via Thornlie to
Perth ==Major intersections==