Joint media statement - Quicker, safer journeys for Mitchell Freeway southbound users

Further relief for Mitchell Freeway commuters is on the way, with three consortia shortlisted and invited to submit detailed proposals to design and construct a third lane on Mitchell Freeway southbound from Hodges Drive to Hepburn Avenue.

Part of the State Government's fast-tracked packages of works, the Mitchell Freeway Southbound Upgrade - Hodges Drive to Hepburn Avenue project is anticipated to create 530 direct and indirect jobs, and is jointly funded by the Australian and State Governments.

The contractors shortlisted for the $76 million project are:    

• H2H comprising WBHO Infrastructure Pty Ltd and NRW Contracting Pty Ltd;
• Highways Construction Pty Ltd; and
• Mitchell Southbound JV comprising BMD Constructions Pty Ltd and Georgiou Group Pty Ltd 

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said traffic congestion on the Mitchell Freeway was rapidly on the rise as WA came out of COVID and people return to workplaces.

"It's another reason to prioritise increasing the capacity of the freeway network so we can meet the growing demand across Perth," Mr Tudge said.

"It's clear to see WA is undergoing construction across the transport network and that includes busting congestion for the growing populations in Perth's northern suburbs."

Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said this was just one of many important infrastructure projects planned for the northern suburbs.

"We are fast tracking a number of road projects across Western Australia to kick start the economy, get Western Australians back into jobs and provide opportunities to local businesses," Ms Saffioti said.

"This is just one of many major infrastructure projects underway in our northern suburbs and complements the extension of the rail line to Yanchep and the extension of the Mitchell Freeway to Alkimos.

"When complete this project will ease congestion and improve safety for up to 51,000 daily

Mitchell Freeway users.

"Further congestion relief for road users is an absolute win for people living in our northern suburbs, enabling quicker, more reliable journeys to and from the city."

Federal Member for Pearce Christian Porter said the widening of the Mitchell Freeway would become a reality thanks to a $38 million contribution from the Federal Government.

"As a Yanchep local, I have been fighting hard with my community for better road infrastructure," Mr Porter said.

"Our Government has already extended the Mitchell Freeway to Hester Avenue, and will further extend it to Romeo Road with an extra $108 million - this will get people in our northern suburbs home faster and safer.

"Adding a third lane between Hodges Drive and Hepburn Avenue into the city will complement these extensions and make getting into the city much easier each morning.

"This project will include construction of a third 8.8 kilometre freeway traffic lane adjacent to the rail line, along with a new concrete barrier to improve safety along the railway, between Hepburn Avenue and Reid Highway."

It will also include modifications to freeway entry ramps to enable future ramp signalling at Hodges Drive and Hepburn Avenue.

When introduced, the on-ramp signals will manage the flow of traffic entering the freeway. Only activated during peak periods or during heavy congestion, on-ramp signals make merging easier and safer without slowing down freeway traffic.

This project will complement the recently completed widening of the Mitchell Freeway between Cedric and Vincent Streets, and procurement is well underway for the extension of Mitchell Freeway north to Alkimos.

It is anticipated a contract will be awarded in late October, to enable construction to commence at the end of 2020.

In accordance with the Western Australian Aboriginal Procurement Policy, the contract will ensure at least 10 per cent Aboriginal employment with at least three per cent of procurement going to Aboriginal businesses.

WA Transport Minister's office - 6552 5500