The long-awaited Mitchell Freeway Extension to Romeo Road north of Perth will open on July 10.
The $232 million project will see the freeway extended north from Hester Avenue in Clarkson through to Romeo Road in Alkimos, creating a new high-standard north-south transport link in Perth's north-west.
There will be new freeway access points at Lukin Drive, Butler Boulevard, and Romeo Rd.
The collaboration with METRONET has seen the construction of Romeo Rd, as well as the new east-west road link from Wanneroo Rd to Marmion Ave.
This includes a new bridge over rail on Romeo Rd, constructed as part of the Yanchep Rail Extension works.
It will be the first of a suite of road, rail, and cycling improvements to be completed to support the expansion and growth of Perth's rapidly growing northern corridor.
This includes the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension and the installation of Smart Freeway technology on the Mitchell Fwy Southbound, from Hester Ave to Vincent Street.
The Mitchell Fwy Extension project includes impressive public art on two underpasses and two bridge abutments designed by school children, an Aboriginal artist and local Perth artists.
The $232 million project is 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 Mitchell Freeway Extension will reduce congestion and improve journey times on the road, and provide better connections to Perth's northern suburbs including Yanchep, Butler, Alkimos and Eglington.
"It will relieve pressure on local roads, particularly Hester Ave, Marmion Ave and Connolly Dr, which will improve safety and journeys for local residents.
"It is one of several road projects on Mitchell Fwy, including the Transforming Freeways - Widen and Introduction of ITS project and the Stephenson Avenue Extension project."
As stated by WA Deputy Premier, Treasurer, and 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, and it is fantastic to see it nearing completion.
"The project has supported 1200 direct and indirect jobs during construction and played an important part in keeping our economy ticking as we successfully managed the impacts of COVID.
"The two road and rail projects, Mitchell Fwy Extension and the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension, will transform Perth's rapidly growing northern corridor by improving connectivity and access."
As stated by Federal Member for Pearce Tracey Roberts:
"Our community has been eagerly looking forward to the opening of the Mitchell Fwy Extension to Romeo Rd in Alkimos since the successful community campaign 'Connect Wanneroo'.
"Residents, including me when I was Mayor, were strong advocates for the extension of the freeway and rail line, and let the WA and Federal Governments know that improved transport links were needed to support our fast-growing outer metropolitan suburbs.
"I thank the community for all its support for this important project."
As stated by State Member for Butler 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.
"I look forward to northern suburbs residents being able to enjoy a better, safer commute."
