Extra Kwinana Freeway southbound lane opens in time for Western Australia Day long weekend

Motorists heading south for the Western Australia Day long weekend will benefit from a less congested exit from Perth with the opening of the new third southbound lane.

  • Kwinana Freeway widening project open southbound from noon Friday, June 1
  • Key milestone on $58million State and Federal project

Motorists heading south for the Western Australia Day long weekend will benefit from a less congested exit from Perth with the opening of the new third southbound lane.


Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the freeway's new lane, running 4.5km between Leach and Roe highways, would be opened from noon Friday, June 1.


"The opening of the additional southbound lane will deliver immediate benefits by helping to clear those motorists heading to the South-West for the long weekend," Mr Buswell said.


"I'm sure all freeway users will welcome this additional lane as it should reduce the congestion at this area during peak times and improve travel times for commuters."


The Minister described the opening of the southbound third lane of Kwinana Freeway as a milestone for the $58million Federal and State-funded widening and upgrading initiative.


"The Kwinana Freeway from Leach to Roe highways carries about 107,000 vehicles per day and this is expected to rise to 113,000 per day by 2016 and 131,000 by 2031," he said.


"This project will help to deal with the congestion resulting from this increase and also improve freight transport efficiency and reliability to the port of Fremantle."


The Leach Highway interchange is not yet open to traffic, while additional works are carried out.


The lead contractor, Highway Construction, has undertaken a contract variation to provide a looping northbound off ramp at South Street which will accommodate future traffic flows associated with the new Fiona Stanley Hospital.


Mr Buswell said works on the northbound lanes would be completed by December 2012.


         Fact File


         Associated works include -

  • realignment of the freeway northbound exit ramp at South Street, including a realignment & modification of shared paths & footpaths, & construction of a new pedestrian underpass
  • construction of an extension to the newly-constructed Barry Marshall Parade through to the Murdoch Station bus road
  • modifications to the signalised intersection at South Street to accommodate the realigned Freeway northbound exit ramp

Minister's office - 6552 6400