Mitchell Freeway widening part of new infrastructure projects to boost jobs and bust congestion.
20 November 2019
• The McGowan and Commonwealth Governments have announced a new round of road and rail projects.
• The Mitchell Freeway Widening southbound will bust congestion, boost jobs and improve safety.
• $38 million each from both State and Federal Governments for the project
• The project will create 530 local jobs.
Local Members Emily Hamilton and Jessica Stojkovski joined Premier Mark McGowan and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti to announce a new infrastructure project to further bust congestion, boost jobs and improve safety in the electorates of Joondalup and Kingsley.
The Federal and State Governments have contributed more than $200 million in funding six new projects, including the $76 million upgrade to the Mitchell Freeway Widening southbound.
The Mitchell Freeway southbound between Hodges Drive and Hepburn Avenue is currently at capacity and experiencing significant pressure from high demand during peak periods. On average, 15,380 vehicles travel this stretch of road every weekday.
The 8.8km sector has become a significant traffic pinch-point for residents travelling from Joondalup and Kingsley.
From 2014-2018 there were 560 crashes recorded on the Mitchell Freeway southbound, with one fatality and 305 major incidents.
Construction of a continuous third lane for the Mitchell Freeway southbound from Hodges Drive to Hepburn Avenue will improve journey times by up to eight minutes during peak hour and improve safety.
The latest package of works will generate around 1,000 jobs, including 530 local jobs on the Mitchell Freeway upgrade.
A construction contract will be awarded in October 2020 and construction will be completed in late 2021.
Comments attributed to WA Premier Mark McGowan:
“We’re already embarking on the biggest road and rail building program WA has ever seen.
“This new agreement with the Commonwealth only adds to the hundreds of projects currently underway or in the pipeline – it is a transformation of our transport network.
“My Government’s number one priority is local jobs – this infrastructure package will create more than 1,000 new jobs and provide more new opportunities for local businesses.”
Comments attributed to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“This is a significant undertaking by both Governments to add to our existing pipeline or road and rail works across the state.
“The package of works has something for Perth’s northern, eastern and southern suburbs which are all experiencing significant population growth.
“These road and rail projects will join a long pipeline of other major infrastructure developments such as METRONET that will create local jobs and set the foundation for our economy to grow.”
Comments attributed to Emily Hamilton MLA Member for Joondalup:
“I have heard from residents in the Joondalup electorate about their frustration at the increasing congestion on our freeways.
“Our community is growing, and our roads need to accommodate. This upgrade will save us time, keep us safe and create local jobs.”
Comments attributed to Jessica Stojkovski MLA Member for Kingsley:
“I know how frustrating being stuck in traffic is. Travelling during peak hour traffic on my way to Parliament adds time to my journey and means I spend less time at home with my kids.
“This is great news for our community. I have heard from many residents in the electorate of Kingsley who have shared their concerns and close calls at travelling on our freeways.
Media Contact: Emily Hamilton 9300 3990
Media Contact: Jessica Stojkovski 9309 2666
Photo left to right: Member for Joondalup Emily Hamilton, Minister for Transport Hon. Rita Saffioti, Premier Hon Mark McGowan and Member for Kingsley Jessica Stojkovski.