$700m Kwinana Freeway Upgrade reaches new milestone prior to construction

Construction is a step closer to commencing on the $700 million Kwinana Freeway Upgrade in Western Australia as shortlisted contractors and consultants are invited to submit detailed proposals to deliver the project.

Kwinana Freeway is one of Perth’s critical transport corridors, and this vital upgrade will help futureproof the freeway to accommodate significant growth as well as the rising demand from residential and industrial development in the southern metropolitan region.

This freeway sees about 100,000 vehicle movements every weekday and by targeting key pinch points along this route, the upgrades will reduce peak hour congestion, improve safety, and slash travel times.

“Congestion along the Kwinana Freeway during peak periods is a major source of frustration for members of my community, and commuters in Perth’s southern suburbs.

“Reaching the next step of the election commitment to widen the Freeway helps meet my government’s priority to deliver quality infrastructure across our State through improving our road network

“These upgrades also support my government’s Made in WA plan and the development of the Western Trade Coast,” Premier and Kwinana MLA Roger Cook said.

Project map (source: Main Roads Western Australia)

The proposed scope of the upgrade include:

• A new lane in each direction between Russell Road and Mortimer Road (increasing from two lanes to three)
• A new southbound lane between Roe Highway and Berrigan Drive (increasing from four lanes to five)
• A new northbound lane from Russell Road to Beeliar Drive (increasing from three lanes to four)
• New coordinated ramp signals on the northbound side of the freeway between Safety Bay Road and Roe Highway, to smooth the flow of traffic on the Freeway at busy times
• Improvements to safety barriers, surfacing and drainage

Between January 2020 and December 2024 more than 1,960 crashes were reported on the Kwinana Freeway, majority of which were rear-end crashes with the congested, stop-and-go nature of the traffic along the freeway creating unpredictable conditions for drivers.

The project’s concept design outlining the configuration and location of additional lanes, shared path connections, and proposed new or modified noise walls has been developed and will continue to progress throughout this year.

Subject to regulatory approvals, construction is expected to commence in 2027.

The Kwinana Freeway Upgrade from Roe Highway to Safety Bay Road is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments.

“We’re transforming Kwinana Freeway to slash peak-hour travel times and improve safety for commuters using this busy transport corridor.

“By adding additional lanes and smart traffic management, road users will experience a smoother and safer journey during peak periods.

“This project will also unlock opportunities for more residential, commercial, and industrial development, supporting local jobs and families in our southern suburbs,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Main Roads Western Australia