Joint media statement - Mitchell Freeway extension to Alkimos shifts into high gear

Two building contractors have been shortlisted to kick start the $215 million Mitchell Freeway extension from Hester Avenue in Clarkson to Romeo Road in Alkimos.

NRW Contracting Pty Ltd with WBHO Infrastructure Pty Ltd (H2R) and BMD Construction Pty Limited with Georgiou Group Pty Limited (Mitchell Extension JV) have been today announced on the shortlist.

The contractors have been invited to submit proposals by July 2020, with construction expected to start later this year, creating 1,200 jobs.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the extension will bust congestion on the local road network, reduce travel times and improve safety and connectivity for people in Perth's north.

"It's part of a suite of major, job-creating transport infrastructure projects designed to support the expansion of Perth's fast growing outer-northern suburbs," Mr Tudge said.

"It's also a great example of how the Morrison Government's $100 billion infrastructure pipeline is setting the foundations for economic recovery on the other side of the COVID-19 crisis."

Western Australian Minister for Transport and Planning Rita Saffioti said the Mitchell Freeway carried some of the highest traffic demands in Perth, linking the fast growing northern suburbs to the CBD.

"This much needed extension of the freeway will take traffic off of Marmion Avenue and provide another travel option for residents in the northern suburbs while creating and supporting hundreds of local Western Australian jobs," Ms Saffioti said.

"This is great news for northern suburbs residents and I'm pleased to see local WA companies involved in this project.

"We are optimising planning to ensure the project connects into existing rail, road and cycling networks as well as the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension.

"This project will create more than 1,200 jobs during the construction phase and is just one of our major infrastructure projects that will be essential in the post-pandemic economic recovery."

The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments, with each contributing $107.5 million.

Transport and Planning Minister's office - 6552 5500