Smart Freeway upgrades continue on WA Mitchell Freeway southbound

The Mitchell Freeway transformation in Western Australia is continuing with works set to get underway on the Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound between Reid Highway and Vincent Street following the contract award to deliver the project. 

The Intelligent Freeways Alliance – comprised of NRW Pty Ltd, Service Stream Maintenance Pty Limited and WSP Australia Pty Limited – will be undertaking works to improve traffic flow and safety on the Mitchell Freeway. 

Works for this project will involve modification of seven southbound entry ramps from Reid Highway to Vincent Street to include coordinated signals to help manage traffic flow when entering the freeway; installation of 20 overhead electronic signs; and installation of Smart Technologies closer to the CBD. 

This Mitchell Freeway upgrade will also include the construction of emergency stopping bays along with ‘stopped vehicle detection’ technology as well as installing CCTV cameras, lighting, safety barriers and modifications to drainage. 

Construction will commence in early 2022 and be completed by late 2023. 

“We are continuing our transformation of the Mitchell Freeway – the extension to Romeo Road is well underway, work has already started on rolling out the smart freeway technology between Hester Avenue and Warwick Road and the widening between Hodges Drive to Hepburn Avenue has commenced. 

“When all the upgrades are completed, we anticipate commuters travelling between Hodges Drive to Vincent Street to save up to seven minutes on their morning commute. 

“We are continuing to transform our northern suburbs with several major road projects completed and the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension well underway, providing more transport options for commuters,” Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said. 

Works on the Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound between Hester Avenue and Warwick Road are already underway. 

Once the entire project is completed, the more than 50,000 motorists that use the Mitchell Freeway southbound each day will be able to experience improved travel times and safety. 

The $140 million Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, each contributing $70 million. 

“The Morrison Government is getting on with delivering infrastructure projects that improve congestion and safety for commuters across Australia, making it easier for them to move around our capital cities and ensuring they get home quickly and safely,” Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher MP said. 

Source: Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts; Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Main Roads Western Australia; Infrastructure Magazine