Roe Highway

The Australian and Western Australian Governments have released the Perth Freight Link business case summary to deliver the project, which is expected to cost A$1.5bn ($1.2bn).

By creating a freight connection between the Roe Highway and the Fremantle Port, the Perth Freight Link will cut down transport costs, while improving efficiency in heavy vehicle movements.

The Australian Government will contribute A$925m ($756m) to the project and the Western Australian Government will provide A$650m ($531m).

Part of the state government’s contribution is said to be covered from a heavy vehicle distance-based charge from Muchea to Fremantle Port.

Western Australia minister for finance and senator Mathias Cormann said the summary sets out the benefits the Perth Freight Link will deliver to the country.

"It is expected to create 2,400 construction jobs, providing a vital employment boost for Western Australia."

Cormann said: "The business case shows that the Perth Freight Link delivers an overall positive cost benefit ratio of 2.8, providing benefits of more than $3.9bn to Western Australia, including $2.5bn in travel time savings and $840m in reduced vehicle operating costs.

"Importantly, it is expected to create 2,400 construction jobs, providing a vital employment boost for Western Australia."

Western Australia premier Colin Barnett said serving as a valuable addition to the local area, the project will reduce freight traffic and improve safety on local roads.

"This is an important project for residents within Perth’s southern suburbs who will feel the impact of rapid growth in coming years."

Upon completion, the project is expected to remove 500 trucks a day from Leach Highway, resulting in improved safety, reduced noise and enhanced amenity on local arterial roads.

The project, which is set to improve efficiency for freight operators, would also save them almost 10min and more than A$8 a trip between Fremantle and Kwinana Freeway.

With construction set to begin in early 2016, the project is expected to complete in mid-2019.

Image: Roe Highway at the Nicholson Road exit. Photo: courtesy of SeanMack.