Mitchell Freeway
The Mitchell Freeway Extension project will install motorway access points. Credit: Ada K / Pixabay.

The Government of Western Australia has started A$448m ($347m) upgrade works on the Mitchell Freeway.

As part of the initiative, construction works on three separate projects have begun.

The A$232m ($179m) Mitchell Freeway Extension project will expand the motorway from Hester Avenue to Romeo Road.

This will involve creating freeway access points at Hester Avenue, Lukin Drive and Romeo Road.

The project will extend Romeo Road from Wanneroo Road to Marmion Avenue, and duplicate Wanneroo Road from Romeo Road to Trian Road.

It will also see the creation of shared paths on the western side of the motorway.

The project, expected to create more than 1,200 local jobs, will be completed and delivered by a joint venture of BMD Construction and Georgiou Group.

The government’s funding announcement could also cover an interchange being built at Butler Boulevard as part of the project.

Works on the A$140m ($108m) Smart Freeway project have begun.

The Smart Freeway project will install new technology at nine southbound entry ramps from Hester Avenue to Warwick Road.

It is expected to create more than 500 direct and indirect jobs.

The third project will widen the Mitchell Freeway southbound road from two lanes to three, from Hodges Drive to Hepburn Avenue.

It will upgrade the main shared path for cyclists and pedestrians and install safety barriers.

The project will also involve building or upgrading shared paths from Ocean Reef Road to Warwick Station.

All three projects are being jointly funded by the Federal and Western Australian Governments and are expected to be completed by 2023.

Upon completion, the projects are expected to reduce traffic congestion and transform travel between Perth’s northern suburbs.

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan said: “It’s important we plan and deliver the infrastructure needed for the future today, which is why we are investing millions in transport upgrades for our northern suburbs to reduce traffic congestion, improve safety and slash travel times.”

The Mitchell Freeway Joint Venture was given the contract for carrying out the extension in December.