Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 11, The Western Australia Government has opened an expression of interest (EOI) process for a A$700 million ($460 million) project to enhance the Kwinana Freeway, a critical transport route in Perth. Handling approximately 100,000 vehicle movements daily, the freeway connects the city’s southern suburbs and southwest regions, serving as a vital artery for commuters and businesses.

The upgrade aims to alleviate congestion and improve travel times for commuters

The upgrade aims to reduce congestion and improve travel efficiency. It includes adding an extra lane in both directions between Russell Road and Mortimer Road, expanding this section from two to three lanes. A new southbound lane will also be constructed from Roe Highway to Berrigan Drive, increasing capacity from four to five lanes. Similarly, the northbound stretch from Russell Road to Beeliar Drive will gain a lane, moving from three to four lanes.

To optimize traffic flow, coordinated ramp signals will be installed on northbound on-ramps from Safety Bay Road to Roe Highway. These measures are designed to enhance safety and streamline vehicle movement for the growing residential, commercial, and industrial areas between Perth and Rockingham.

Preliminary work, including community engagement, utility surveys, and geotechnical and environmental assessments, is already underway to inform the final road designs. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, pending regulatory approvals, with completion targeted for 2029.

“Once complete, the Kwinana Freeway Upgrade project will improve road safety and ease congestion for the growing residential, commercial, and industrial precincts between Perth and Rockingham,” said WA Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti. “The Kwinana Freeway Upgrade follows the recent opening of the new Thornlie-Cockburn rail line and represents our ongoing investment in improving the transport network across Perth’s southern suburbs.”

Funding for the project is equally split, with A$350 million contributions from both the federal and Western Australian governments. This collaborative investment underscores a commitment to enhancing infrastructure to support Perth’s expanding transport needs.

The EOI process seeks to identify qualified design and construction firms to advance to the tendering phase. By engaging industry stakeholders early, the government aims to ensure the project’s success through expertise and innovation in delivery.

This initiative reflects a broader effort to modernize Perth’s transport infrastructure, addressing the demands of a growing population and economy. The Kwinana Freeway upgrade is poised to improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and support sustainable urban development in Western Australia’s capital region.