Mitchell Freeway extension opens to traffic

Perth's road system will take a major leap forward today with the opening of a four-kilometre extension to the Mitchell Freeway in Perth's rapidly growing northern suburbs.

Transport Minister Simon O'Brien today opened the new section of freeway between Hodges Drive and Burns Beach Road.

Mr O'Brien said the project, two years in the making, would be a major boost for Joondalup and surrounding areas.

"This magnificent stretch of new road is critical to the ongoing development of the northern suburbs," he said.

"It will cut congestion on local roads, improve transport efficiency and stimulate commercial and residential growth.

"At a total project cost of $161.5million, the extension has been delivered $10million under budget and within its original construction schedule, despite asphalt shortages during the recent gas crisis."

Built by Macmahon for Main Roads WA, the new section of freeway includes:

·           two lanes in each direction

·           traffic bridges at Hodges Drive, Shenton Avenue and Moore Drive

·           interchanges at Hodges Drive, Shenton Avenue and Burns Beach Road

·           a footbridge opposite Connolly Primary School

·           a shared bike and pedestrian path along the entire length

·           a total of seven kilometres of noise walls to protect residential areas

·           extensive revegetation involving 250,000 plants and 300 kilograms of seed

·           public art on bridge abutments and selected noise walls.

The Minister said the City of Joondalup had also undertaken a major upgrade of Burns Beach Road at the end of the freeway to ensure it could cope with increased traffic.

The freeway project involved extensive consultation between Main Roads and a committee of community representatives over several years, following concerns about the original design including the height of the freeway near Connolly Primary School, plans for a pedestrian underpass and loss of natural bushland.

Acting commissioner of Main Roads John Marmion said negotiations resulted in a lowering of the freeway profile by five metres, replacement of the underpass with a footbridge and retention of a 'green belt' along the western side of the freeway.

"It has been one of the most detailed and constructive processes of community involvement on a major road project in Western Australia and has redefined how Main Roads engages with the community," Mr Marmion said.