Work on extension on Kwinana Freeway and flyover construction to start next month

18/11/99
Transport Minister Murray Criddle today announced that work on the extension on the Kwinana Freeway and the construction of flyovers to replace traffic lights at five intersections would begin next month.
"This project is something people in our southern suburbs have been waiting a long time for and I am pleased to announce that the entire project should be completed by June, 2001, five months ahead of the original finish date," Mr Criddle said.
He said that Thiess Contractors Pty Ltd had won a $128 million contract for the Kwinana Freeway interchanges and extension project which was expected to reduce travel times between Perth and Mandurah by up to 20 minutes at peak times.
"The annoying traffic lights at five intersections will be replaced by bridges and the Kwinana Freeway will be extended by 12 km from Thomas Road to Safety Bay Road," the Minister said.
"In addition there will also be an upgrade of six kilometres of Safety Bay Road to dual carriageway with an interchange at Ennis Avenue.
"A dual use path will also be built alongside the freeway extension and grade separation for cyclists and pedestrians at all interchanges."
Mr Criddle said the project was designed to incorporate rail tunnels at Glen Iris and Anketell to cater for the planned South West Metropolitan Railway which would run along the freeway median.
"The replacement of traffic signals with flyovers between Berrigan Drive and Thomas Road will significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve the overall operating efficiency of the freeway network," he said.
To provide space for the planned urban rail line, the contract included relocation of the existing northbound carriageway about 10m to the west for a distance of about 15km.
"The freeway extension will provide road users with two traffic lanes in each direction between Thomas Road and Safety Bay Road, as well as interchanges at Mortimer and Mundijong Roads," Mr Criddle said.
"To accommodate the expected traffic flows, around six kilometres of Safety Bay Road will be upgraded to improve access to the freeway via Ennis Avenue and an interchange will be built at Ennis Avenue.
The new interchange would cater for the planned South West Metropolitan Railway.
Mr Criddle said the overall project cost would be $165 million when taking into account land acquisition, other associated works and project management. The contract would create 200 jobs.
The project is part of the $355 million total upgrade of Kwinana Freeway that includes a dedicated bus transitway and the duplication of the Narrows Bridge, scheduled for completion in August, next year.
"The Kwinana Freeway interchanges and extension project will complement other priority projects under the Coalition Government's $1.3 billion State-wide TransformWA package launched last year," Mr Criddle said.
"Under TransformWA, about $230 million over the next 10 years will be dedicated to projects incorporating public transport facilities to develop an extensive system in and around Perth catering for our expanding population.
"When complete, this project will reduce fuel consumption and vehicle emissions as a result of less traffic congestion on the freeway and the local road network.
"Residential development, industry and tourism growth in the South-West and Peel regions has demanded that the Kwinana Freeway be improved to enhance safety and efficiency for industry, commuters and visitors to the area.
"The freeway extension will also benefit people from as far south as Bunbury because their travel times to and from Perth using the coastal route will be significantly reduced."
Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333