Joint media statement - Major milestone for Mitchell Freeway extension

• Expressions of interest called for design and construction of the Mitchell Freeway extension
• The project will reduce travel times, improve safety and connectivity for commuters
• 1,200 jobs to be created during the construction phase

The extension of Mitchell Freeway from Hester Avenue to Romeo Road has reached a significant milestone with expressions of interest sought from industry for its design and construction.

Planned to support and facilitate the expansion of Perth's fast growing outer northern suburbs, the 5.6 km extension of Mitchell Freeway will include:

• Completion of the Mitchell Freeway interchange at Hester Avenue and a new freeway interchange at Lukin Drive
• A rail tunnel for the existing rail line at Butler station
• Construction and connection of Romeo Road between Marmion Avenue and Wanneroo Road
• Duplicating 1.8 km of Wanneroo Road from Romeo Road to Trian Road
• A new shared path for cyclists and pedestrians
• Noise mitigation, street lighting and safety barriers where required

The freeway extension will service the rapidly growing north-western suburbs of Butler, Yanchep, Alkimos and Eglinton as well as areas to the east including Nowergup.

The suburbs of Yanchep, Alkimos and Eglinton - which had a population of about 3,000 people in 2006 - are now home to about 30,000 people.

State Government population forecasts indicate the area will be home to about 118,000 people by 2031 - about 1.5 times Mandurah's population of around 80,000.

Construction is expected to commence in late 2020, subject to all environmental and heritage approvals being obtained from the relevant Commonwealth and State regulatory authorities.

The $215 Mitchell Freeway Extension project, Hester Avenue to Romeo Road, is jointly-funded by the Australian ($107.5 million) and Western Australian ($107.5 million) governments.

More information on the procurement process is available at http://www.tenders.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge:

"The Mitchell Freeway extension is great news for Perth's economy and will help create more jobs in the north-western suburbs.

"This project will cut travel times, getting Perth residents home sooner and safer."

Comments attributed to Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Our commitment to progressing the vital extension of the Mitchell Freeway, along with the Yanchep Rail Extension, will alleviate pressure on the northern local road network.

"The project will provide employment opportunities for local workers and businesses, along with encouraging Aboriginal employment and engaging Aboriginal businesses.

"An industry briefing will take place to help local businesses understand the procurement process and help us to understand local capacity and capability to ensure local companies are well-placed to take up the opportunities presented by this project."

Comments attributed to Federal Member for Pearce Christian Porter:

"The Mitchell Freeway extension to Romeo Road is a project that our community has fought incredibly hard for - it's fantastic to see it taking shape.

"Our northern suburbs are growing at a rapid rate so it's critical we invest in infrastructure that supports that growth, which is exactly what we are doing.  

"It's infrastructure like this and Yanchep Rail - which the Federal Government is making a reality with $350 million - that will have an enormous impact, making our roads faster and safer."

Comments attributed to Wanneroo MLA Sabine Winton:

"This freeway extension to with Romeo Rd will mean the rural areas of Carabooda, Nowergup and Neerabup will finally be connected to the Northern corridor, the train line, schools and shops."

"Additionally through this project we are fixing a very dangerous portion of Wanneroo Road at the intersection of Romeo Road. I have long campaigned on this issue and as a local in the area I know that residents will be really relieved that we are upgrading that deadly intersection."

"This is another example of how the McGowan Government prioritises the northern suburbs by investing in key infrastructure projects that have long been demanded by residents."

Transport Minister's office - 6552 5500