Western Australia to begin construction on Mitchell Freeway extension

The Government of Western Australia has announced that construction on the A$215m ($152.65m) Mitchell Freeway extension project is scheduled to commence by late 2020.

The government has agreed to provide A$107.5m ($76.35m) for the freeway expansion project.

Detailed planning work and stakeholder consultation are currently under progress. Under the project, the freeway will be extended 5.6km from Hester Avenue to Romeo Road in the north of Perth.

Upon completion, the project will help accommodate the growing population in Perth’s outer northern coastal suburbs such as Yanchep, Alkimos and Eglinton.

The project also includes construction of an interchange at Lukin Drive, a new road connecting Romeo Road between Marmion Avenue and Wanneroo Road, and completion of the current interchange at Hester Avenue.

Additionally, Wanneroo Road will be upgraded to a dual carriageway for 1.8km from Romeo Road to Trian Road in Carabooda.

Cyclists and pedestrians will benefit from a principal shared path on the western side of the Mitchell Freeway extension.

Premier Mark McGowan said: “This project will be a key component of this government’s plan to boost the economy and create jobs, this project alone will create at least 1,200 jobs.

“Just like our METRONET, school, hospital and other road projects, we are creating a pipeline of work to create new jobs for Western Australians.

“I spend around two hours commuting to and from work each day, so I know how important a free run of traffic is.”

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said: “About 8,000 new residents are moving into the City of Wanneroo each year. For too long governments have sat back and waited until a problem reaches breaking point.

“This government is getting on with the job and building the job-creating infrastructure for the future.”