Contract awarded for Mitchell Freeway extension

7/08/04
Relief for northern suburbs commuters is another step closer, with the award of a $2.3million design contract for the Mitchell Freeway extension to Burns Beach Road.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced the award of the contract to Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd today, saying that it was an important step towards improving access for Perth's expanding northern suburbs.
"Under the contract, Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd will develop a design for the extension of the Mitchell Freeway and prepare tender documentation in readiness for construction," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The design will address issues such as staging of construction activity, pedestrian and cycle connectivity, access to rail services, and the need to realign the northern suburbs railway between Shenton Avenue and the Currambine railway station.
"The design will consider the needs of the local community and include consultation with key stakeholders and residents on issues such as landscaping, noise treatment and local amenities.
"Residents will be invited to provide input into the design to ensure that it meets the needs of the local community and is successfully integrated into the surrounding environment."
The Minister said the freeway would be constructed in two stages, initially from Hodges Drive to Shenton Avenue by late 2005 and to Burns Beach Road by 2008.
Ms MacTiernan said that to facilitate the construction of the main freeway alignment, temporary detours would be built at Hodges Drive and Shenton Avenue to maintain access while the extension was carried out.
"The extension will include completing the interchange at Hodges Drive and constructing new interchanges at Shenton Avenue and Burns Beach Road," she said.
"A bridge will also be constructed over the freeway and northern suburbs railway at Moore Drive to improve access for inter-regional traffic.
"The four-kilometre extension of the Mitchell Freeway will provide much needed infrastructure for the north-west corridor and allow Joondalup to reach its full potential. It will stimulate local industry by providing direct access to the Joondalup city centre as well as the northern suburbs of Connolly, Currambine, Iluka, Carramar and Kinross.
"The extension will also reduce distance, congestion and travel times for commuters and the light commercial traffic travelling to these areas."
Local members of Parliament Dianne Guise, Tony O'Gorman and John Quigley welcomed the announcement.
Minister's office: 9213 6400