Official opening of extension of Mitchell Freeway from Ocean Reef Rd to Hodges Drive

23/12/99

Premier Richard Court has officially opened the extension of the Mitchell Freeway from Ocean Reef Road to Hodges Drive, describing the completion of the project as a great boost for road users and a key milestone for transport infrastructure in Perth.
Mr Court said the extension of the freeway had seen one of Perth's major arterial routes improved to meet the current and future traffic demands of the metropolitan area, and in particular the northern suburbs.
"We currently enjoy excellent transport services that are the envy of many other cities," the Premier said.
"In order to maintain this level of service we must continually assess, upgrade and expand the road network to address any transport challenges and meet the changing demands of the community.
"The extension of Mitchell Freeway to Hodges Drive is an example of a project that has been implemented to cater for the growing needs of Perth, in particular the northern suburbs, which is one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia.
"The extension will reduce the congestion on the local road network such as Ocean Reef Road, Joondalup Drive and Marmion Avenue, and improve access by providing a strategic link from the City of Perth to the Joondalup Regional Centre.
"This improved access will not only provide transport benefits in terms of improved travel times and safety for motorists, but it will also bring social benefits for the community by creating opportunities for further regional development and employment.
"The improvements to Mitchell Freeway are a key step in the future planning and provision of transport infrastructure, which will bring the pieces together to secure Western Australia's future."
The extension work was undertaken by Henry Walker Eltin Contracting Pty Ltd under the management of Main Roads Western Australia.
The project has been funded by the Federal Roads of National Importance Program and is part of the upgrade of the Mitchell Freeway which includes the widening of the freeway between Karrinyup Road and Hepburn Avenue - funded by the State Government's TransformWA program.
Mr Court, the Federal Member for Moore Mal Washer, representing the Minister for Transport and Regional Services, John Anderson, and State Transport Minister Murray Criddle, today cut a ceremonial ribbon signifying the opening of the extension to traffic.
Mr Anderson congratulated the State Government, Main Roads and Henry Walker Eltin Contracting for the successful completion of this stage of the project.
Mr Criddle said the completion of the freeway extension some two months ahead of schedule was a great achievement for those involved in the project, and would benefit road users.
"The new section of freeway will improve transport efficiency, safety and reliability," the Minister said.
"It will form an important part of the integrated transport strategy for Perth, which will improve access to major centres and links to major transport facilities."
Mr Criddle said work would now begin on stage two of the Mitchell Freeway Project, which would see the construction of a pedestrian and cyclist underpass at Ocean Reef Road.
"This work will take about 12 weeks to complete, and will greatly enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists wanting to cross Ocean Reef Road," he said.
The Minister said landscaping to revegetate the road reserve had been programmed for autumn next year and would incorporate existing vegetation that had been retained, as well as replanting trees that had been removed during the earthworks and introducing a mixture of native trees and shrubs.
Mr Criddle said work to widen the freeway between Karrinyup Road and Hepburn Avenue to the ultimate three-lane configuration was progressing well.
"This phase of the Mitchell upgrade is now in its second stage with the first two kilometre section recently opened to traffic and the total project expected to be completed in March, 2000," he said.
The work to upgrade and extend the freeway was combined into one contract to optimise resources and deliver the benefits of the extension and widening as closely together as possible.
The contract for works on Mitchell Freeway was awarded in February 1999 to the value of $15.83 million.
Media contact: Bronwyn Hillman 9222 9475