Transformation of Mitchell Freeway southbound continues

The transformation of the Mitchell Freeway is continuing with H2H, comprising WBHO Infrastructure Pty Ltd and NRW Contracting Pty Ltd, named as the preferred proponent to deliver a series of upgrades on Mitchell Freeway southbound.

The upgrades include widening key bottlenecks on Mitchell Freeway and upgrading the Principal Shared Path network for pedestrians and cyclists. A third southbound lane will also be constructed from Hodges Drive to Hepburn Avenue, the only southbound section with less than three lanes.

The upgrades will help bust congestion and improve road safety by reducing stop-start conditions often associated with traffic incidents, particularly in peak periods.

Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the Mitchell Freeway upgrades were part of the Morrison Government’s multi-billion investment in infrastructure.

“Upgrading the Mitchell and Kwinana freeways is a high-priority initiative included on Infrastructure Australia’s Infrastructure Priority List, involving introducing smart freeway technology and critical upgrades across Perth’s freeway corridor,” Minister Fletcher said.

“This project will contribute to maintaining an efficient and reliable freeway network for the movement of people and freight, which supports the economic prosperity of Western Australia.”

Western Australian Minister for Transport and Planning, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, said the McGowan Government was continuing to transform Perth’s freeway networks.

“We are creating local jobs and investing in road and rail infrastructure as part of WA’s Recovery Plan from COVID-19,” Minister Saffioti said.

“Combined with the introduction of smart freeways technology, the widening of key bottlenecks on Mitchell Freeway southbound will result in travel time savings averaging up to seven minutes from Hodges Drive to Vincent Street. This will benefit the 28,000 vehicles using this section of the freeway during the morning peak periods.

“Combined with travel time savings of up to seven minutes already experienced on the recently completed Cedric to Vincent Street upgrade, northern suburbs residents can expect to save up to 14 minutes on their morning commutes to the CBD.

“It will help bust congestion, alleviating pressure on the road network and improving connections now and into the future.”

Federal Member for Moore Ian Goodenough said, “The widening of the Mitchell Freeway has been a key issue for tradies and workers living in the mortgage belt suburbs in my electorate.

“After a concerted campaign and $38 million in Federal Funding I’m pleased to see progress on this important infrastructure project, which will not only reduce travel times for commuters but also stimulate the economy by creating jobs for locals.”

Cyclists will also benefit, with a combination of new and upgraded Principal Shared Paths to provide users with a high-standard route between Ocean Reef Road and Warwick Train Station, with minimal interruptions and better separation from traffic.

Additional upgrades will include concrete barriers adjacent to the rail reserve from Hodges Drive to Reid Highway, safety barriers on the verge from Hodges Drive to Hepburn Avenue, emergency stopping bays and an emergency breakdown lane.

Construction is scheduled to begin over the coming months, with around 1,000 jobs expected to be supported.

Installing co-ordinated ramp signals and associated smart technologies is also planned from Hester Avenue to Warwick Road, forming the northern part of the Transforming Freeways project.

The Australian and Western Australian Governments are jointly funding the $76 million Mitchell Freeway Widening (Hodges to Hepburn Avenue) project and the $140 million Transforming Freeways 0 Widen and Introduction of ITS (Kwinana and Mitchell Freeways) project.