$215m WA Mitchell Freeway Extension to begin construction in 2021

Following the announcement of the Mitchell Extension Joint Venture (MEJV) as preferred proponent in October, the contract to build the $215 million Mitchell Freeway Extension has officially been awarded to the BMD Construction – Georgiou Group joint venture. 

This takes the much-awaited project a step closer to construction, which is set to commence in 2021. 

“I’m pleased that in WA our economy has roared back to life following the impacts of the pandemic and we’ve been able to continue to get projects underway that boosts jobs and bust congestion. 

“The northern corridor is growing so being able to extend the Mitchell Freeway further north to where many families live and work will help save them time and will make it safer for road users,” Premier Mark McGowan said. 

According to Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge, the Australian Government is prioritising the delivery of critical road and rail infrastructure in Western Australia. 

“This is a congestion-busting project that will take pressure off local roads by providing a better route from home to work and the shops. 

“The Morrison Government is investing millions of dollars into major transport infrastructure projects across WA and that means more jobs for hard working West Australians,” Minister Tudge said. 

The Mitchell Freeway Extension project will include: 

• Adding 5.6 kilometres to Mitchell Freeway from Hester Avenue to Romeo Road with two traffic lanes in each direction and space for future widening 
• Completion of the interchange at Hester Avenue 
• Adding a new interchange at Lukin Drive and upgrade to two lanes in each direction from west of Mitchell Freeway to Connolly Drive 
• Creating a rail tunnel of bridge for the existing rail to exit the freeway median to Butler Station 
• Building a new principal shared path for cyclists and pedestrians on the western side of the freeway from Hester Avenue to Romeo Road 
• Construction and connecting Romeo Road between Marmion Avenue and Wanneroo Road 
• Adding noise mitigation, street lighting and safety barriers where required 
• Adding an extra two lanes to Wanneroo Road for 1.8 kilometres from Romeo Road northbound to Trian Road 

Construction on the project will take place at the same time as the Yanchep Rail Extension project, which is part of the wider METRONET development. 

“We have also included a new interchange at Lukin Drive and a new connection from Marmion Avenue to Wanneroo Road, which will make it easier for our northern suburbs commuters. 

“Combined with our northern suburbs projects, including the long awaited Yanchep Rail Extension, this will support the WA economy through COVID-19 while creating and supporting local jobs. 

“We will also be optimising the performance of the Mitchell Freeway southbound from Hester Avenue to Perth by introducing the same smart technology that has worked so well on the Kwinana Freeway,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

Project map (source: Main Roads WA)

Once completed, the project will improve safety as well as reduce congestion on the Mitchell Freeway and on local roads within the growing communities of Yanchep, Butler, Alkimos, Eglinton and Nowergup. 

The extension of the Mitchell Freeway will also create more opportunities for local residents moving in and out of the city. 

“The northern suburbs are booming and the population growth is only going to continue over the next decade. 

“It’s vital we deliver these much-needed infrastructure upgrades now,” Federal member for Pearce Christian Porter said. 

State Member for Butler John Quigley added that the Mitchell Freeway Extension will make a big difference for the residents of Butler. 

“Extending the Mitchell Freeway to Romeo Road will make travel easier and safer for northern suburbs commuters. 

“We are getting on with building the northern suburbs with millions of dollars of transport projects underway that will create and support thousands of local jobs,” Mr Quigley said. 

The multi-million-dollar Mitchell Freeway Extension is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, each contributing $107.5 million, and the project is anticipated to support approximately 1,200 direct and indirect jobs during construction. 

The project is due to be completed in late 2022, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure; Main Roads WA