The Western Australian Government has shortlisted three consortia for a $76 million project to construct a third lane on the Mitchell Freeway.
The shortlisted contractors are:
- H2H, comprising WBHO Infrastructure and NRW Contracting
- Highways Construction
- Mitchell Southbound JV, comprising BMD Constructions and the Georgiou Group
The project involves the design and construction of a third 8.8km freeway traffic lane adjacent to the rail line, along with a new concrete barrier to improve safety along the railway, between Hepburn Avenue and Reid Highway.
It will also include modifications to freeway entry ramps to enable future ramp signalling at Hodges Drive and Hepburn Avenue.
When introduced, the on-ramp signals will manage the flow of traffic entering the freeway. Only activated during peak periods or during heavy congestion, on-ramp signals make merging easier and safer without slowing down freeway traffic.
This project will complement the recently completed widening of the Mitchell Freeway between Cedric and Vincent Streets, and procurement is well underway for the extension of Mitchell Freeway north to Alkimos.
It is anticipated a contract will be awarded in late October, to enable construction to commence at the end of 2020.
The three consortia have been invited to submit detailed proposals for the upgrade.
In accordance with the Western Australian Aboriginal Procurement Policy, the contract will ensure at least 10 per cent Aboriginal employment with at least three per cent of procurement going to Aboriginal businesses.
Jointly funded by the Federal and WA Governments, and part of the WA Government’s fast-tracked packages of works, the project is anticipated to create 530 direct and indirect jobs.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge, said traffic congestion on the Mitchell Freeway was rapidly on the rise as WA came out of COVID and people returned to workplaces.
“It’s another reason to prioritise increasing the capacity of the freeway network so we can meet the growing demand across Perth,” Mr Tudge said.
“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.”
Western Australian Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said this was just one of many important infrastructure projects planned for the northern suburbs.
“We are fast tracking a number of road projects across Western Australia to kick start the economy, get Western Australians back into jobs and provide opportunities to local businesses,” Ms Saffioti said.
“This is just one of many major infrastructure projects underway in our northern suburbs and complements the extension of the rail line to Yanchep and the extension of the Mitchell Freeway to Alkimos.”
When complete, the 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.
The Federal Government has committed $38 million to this upgrade. It has already extended the Mitchell Freeway to Hester Avenue, and will further extend it to Romeo Road with an extra $108 million.
