The $232 million extension of the Mitchell Freeway to Alkimos has been officially opened in a ceremony today, with commuters able to use the new section of road from tomorrow.
The project has extended the Mitchell Freeway 5.6 kilometres north from Hester Avenue to Romeo Road, creating a new, high-standard, north-south transport link in Perth's northwest, including new freeway access points at Lukin Drive, Butler Boulevard and Romeo Road.
The extension and new interchanges will significantly improve access and reduce congestion for people living in Perth's northern suburbs, and ease pressure on the Hester Avenue/Mitchell Freeway interchange the northernmost on and off-ramp for the Mitchell Freeway.
The project is the first in a suite of road, rail and cycling improvements to be completed to support the expansion and growth of Perth's rapidly growing northern corridor, including the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension.
Collaboration with METRONET has seen the construction of Romeo Road, the new east-west road link from Wanneroo Road to Marmion Avenue. This includes a new bridge over rail on Romeo Road constructed as part of the Yanchep Rail Extension.
The project also used 560,000 cubic metres of surplus material from the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension.
The project includes impressive public art on two underpasses and two bridge abutments, designed by school children, an Aboriginal artist and local Perth artists, giving the project a lasting legacy in the community.
The project supported around 1,200 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase and was jointly funded by the Australian Government and the Western Australian Government, with each contributing $116 million.
As stated by Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"The Australian Government is pleased to be partnering with the Western Australian Government in this project to build the Mitchell Freeway Extension and new interchanges which will make travelling in northern Perth smoother, faster and safer.
"The Mitchell Freeway Extension will reduce congestion and improve journey times for Perth road users, and provide enhanced connectivity to Perth's northern suburbs including Yanchep, Butler, Alkimos and Eglinton."
As stated by WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This was one of our fast-tracked projects as part of a State Government infrastructure initiative to boost the economy post COVID-19.
"Extending 5.6 kilometres to the north will provide our growing northern suburbs with better access to the Mitchell Freeway, improve safety and ease congestion on local roads.
"The project has involved collaboration across the Transport Portfolio, most substantially with the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension, which, along with the Mitchell Freeway extension, will provide communities in our north with greater access to our transport network."
As stated by Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Federal Member for Perth Patrick Gorman:
"This is one of several road projects on the Mitchell Freeway, including the two Smart Freeway Mitchell Southbound projects from Hester Avenue to Warwick Road, and from Reid Highway to Vincent Street, as well as the Stephenson Avenue Extension.
"The projects have worked together to ensure the benefits are delivered at the same time to motorists, reducing project overlaps and minimising conflicts."
As stated by Federal Member for Pearce Tracey Roberts:
"The Mitchell Freeway Extension will relieve pressure on local roads, particularly Hester Avenue, Marmion Avenue and Connolly Drive, which will improve safety and journeys for local residents.
"Local shopping and amenities on Lukin Drive and Butler Boulevard will be more accessible, with new freeway exits at these locations."
As stated by WA Butler MLA John Quigley:
"The State Government continues to deliver vital infrastructure for our northern suburbs.
"I am proud that we've been able to deliver this project on budget given the challenges facing the construction sector and I look forward to northern suburbs residents being able to enjoy a better, safer commute."
As stated by WA Wanneroo MLA Sabine Winton:
"This freeway extension to Romeo Road means the rural areas of Carabooda, Nowergup and Neerabup are finally connected to the Northern corridor, the train line, schools and shops.
"Importantly, this project has fixed a very dangerous portion of Wanneroo Road at the intersection of Romeo Road, which is something I have long campaigned for and as a local in the area, know that residents are really relieved about."
As stated by State Member for Burns Beach Mark Folkard:
"Our Government is focussed on delivering infrastructure that improves people's lives and the Mitchell Freeway extension will do exactly that.
"People living in suburbs like Quinns Rocks, Mindarie and Clarkson know how congested Hester Avenue and the on and off ramps can be, and the freeway extension will help ease the pressure on our local road network."
