Western Australia’s $76 million Mitchell Freeway Southbound Upgrade reaches a new milestone with three consortia shortlisted to deliver the congestion-busting project. The shortlisted builders are now invited to submit detailed proposals for the project’s design and construction.
The three shortlisted contractors are:
As COVID restrictions ease up in Western Australia, congestion on the Mitchell Freeway has been increasing as people begin returning to their workplaces.
“It’s another reason to prioritise increasing the capacity of the freeway network so we can meet the growing demand across Perth.
“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,” Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said.
The Mitchell Freeway Southbound Upgrade between Hodges Drive and Hepburn Avenue is anticipated to create up to 530 direct and indirect jobs.
“We are fast tracking a number of road project across Western Australia to kick start the economy, get Western Australians back into jobs and provide opportunities to local businesses,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
The project will deliver a third lane on this section of the Mitchell Freeway, increasing its capacity by up to 50 per cent. Sections of new concrete barriers will also be installed adjacent the rail reserve from Hodges Drive to Reid Highway.
“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,” Ms Saffioti said.
This upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, with the Australian Government contributing $38 million.
“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,” Federal member for Pearce Christian Porter said.
In addition, freeway entry ramps are going to be modified to enable future ramp signalling at Hodges Drive and Hepburn Avenue. These on-ramp signals will help manage traffic flow entering the Mitchell Freeway.
The on-ramp signals are going to be activated only during peak hours or when there is heavy congestion to make merging easier as well as safer without slowing down the flow of traffic.
This Mitchell Freeway upgrade will complement the completed widening of the freeway between Cedric and Vincent streets. Procurement is also underway for the extension of the Mitchell Freeway north to Alkimos.
The contract to build the Mitchell Freeway Southbound Upgrade between Hodges Drive and Hepburn Avenue is expected to be awarded in late October, with major construction works to begin by the end of 2020.
In compliance to the Western Australian Aboriginal Procurement Policy, this contract will ensure up to 10 per cent Aboriginal employment and about three per cent of procurement going to Aboriginal businesses.
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Source: Government of Western Australia; Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure; Main Roads WA