- Road congestion in Perth's south a key focus of upcoming State Budget
- More than $485 million will be allocated across several critical projects
- Upgrades to Kwinana Freeway will reduce traffic congestion and enhance freight efficiency
- Investment delivers on key election commitments of WA and Federal Labor Governments
Busting congestion on the road network in Perth's south will be a critical focus of the upcoming State Budget, with nearly half-a-billion dollars allocated to several critical projects.
A total of $485.5 million has been allocated to deliver upgrades on four key roads in Perth's southern suburbs, projects which were committed to by the WA Labor Government at the 2025 election.
It includes $460 million to widen Kwinana Freeway between Roe Highway and Mortimer Road, addressing one of the worst congestion points on the freeway network.
The State Budget will also acknowledge the Federal Government's contribution towards the project, with the State and Federal Government each committing $350 million towards the $700 million Kwinana Freeway project.
The Kwinana Freeway between Russell Road and Mortimer Road carries some 100,000 vehicles per day, with up to 15 per cent being heavy freight vehicles.
The investment will add around 50 per cent capacity to the upgraded sections of the Kwinana Freeway, where congestion continues to create frustration for motorists and reduce the efficient movement of freight.
Works to widen the Kwinana Freeway are expected to start in 2026/27, with the upgrades to include:
- an additional lane in both directions between Russell Road and Mortimer Road, taking the section of freeway from two lanes to three;
- an additional lane southbound between Roe Highway and Berrigan Drive taking the section of freeway from four lanes to five;
- an additional lane northbound from Russell Road to Beeliar Drive taking the section of freeway from three lanes to four; and
- addition of co-ordinated ramp signals between Safety Bay Road and Roe Highway to improve flow of traffic on the freeway.
Other key election commitments being funded to be delivered under the State Budget include:
- $17 million to build roundabouts at the intersections of Kargotich Road with Abernethy Road, Orton Road and Gossage Road, supporting the growth of Byford and Mundijong (project to be delivered by the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale);
- $7 million to deliver upgrades to the Baldivis Road and Kulija Road intersection including new traffic signals and an additional westbound through lane on Kulija Road to avoid queues back to the freeway interchange in the morning peak periods (project to be delivered by the City of Rockingham); and
- a $1.5 million contribution towards the upgrade of the intersection of Nicholson Road and Warton Road (to be delivered by the City of Gosnells).
The new projects come on top of a number of significant projects already being delivered and planned for delivery in Perth's south including the Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road upgrades, which will support the rapidly growing suburbs of Byford, Oakford and Cardup.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Like so many Western Australians who live south of the Swan River, I understand how frustrating it is to be stuck in congestion along Kwinana Freeway.
"Given our State's booming economy and our growing population, we know this will continue to be an issue unless our government gets on with the job of fixing it.
"That's why my government made a commitment during the election to make driving along the Kwinana Freeway easier - and I'm proud to say we're getting on with the job of delivering that commitment as part of our Budget.
"These upgrades will do more than just ensure everyone in Perth's south can easily use the roads they rely on to get to work or school.
"They will also support development of the Western Trade Coast - helping to diversify Western Australia's nation-leading economy and secure my government's vision for a future that is made in WA."
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"As part of our commitment to the people of Western Australia, we're getting on with the job of delivering these projects that will bust congestion and improve the productivity of our freight network.
"Western Australians recognised at the election that unlike the Liberals and Nationals, we had a plan for our transport network, and we're now delivering on the plan we put forward.
"Anyone that drives on the Kwinana Freeway knows how frustrating this congestion hot spot is, and the drain it has on our economy through lost productivity.
"Aside from reducing congestion and improving safety, these upgrades will create jobs and help boost the economy through the creation of improved freight efficiencies."
Comments attributed to Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King:
"We welcome this contribution by the WA Cook Labor Government to what will be such an important project for the state.
"Not only will it improve travel for the 100,000 journeys that take place on the Kwinana Freeway each day, but it will be a critical investment that supports future trade growth in Western Australia.
"This is another example of the Federal and State Labor Governments partnering to deliver critical infrastructure that meet the challenges of today while planning for the opportunities of tomorrow."
