Freeway upgrades between Russell Rd and Roe Hwy to ease congestion
Major widening works on the final section of Kwinana Freeway between Russell Road and Roe Highway northbound are set to begin after a joint announcement from the State and Federal Governments on Sunday.
State Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the $49 million project would boost the local economy by creating 340 jobs and was part of the State’s plan to ease congestion by up to 15 minutes in morning peak traffic, improve roads and save motorists time.
“The Kwinana Freeway Widening project will add 8km of additional lane and provide capacity for an extra 1800 vehicles per hour, improving traffic flow for those commuting to the CBD or our northern suburbs,” Ms Saffioti said.
“Construction of six out of seven new projects along the Kwinana Freeway corridor will be under way by early 2019, with procurement for the Armadale Road to North Lake Road Bridge over Kwinana Freeway progressing well.”
Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said thousands of people across Perth would benefit from the congestion-busting improvements.
“The freeway upgrades will increase freight efficiency and improve access to services and employment hubs,” Mr Tudge said.
“The Coalition Government is keeping Perth moving — we’re getting people home sooner and safer.”
The Premier and Ms Saffioti were joined by Baldivis MLA Reece Whitby, Federal Minister Michael Keenan, Cockburn MLA Fran Logan and Jandakot MLA Yaz Mubarakai to mark the start of construction.
Mr Whitby said the biggest winners of the widening works would be daily drivers from Baldivis, Wellard, Bertram and across the Rockingham region.
The first works motorists will notice will be the appearance of 80km/h speed signs on the northbound stretch between Russell Road and Roe Highway, a slight reduction in lane width and the moving of lanes to the right, closer to the rail corridor.
Construction will run until late 2019 , weather permitting.
“The decision by the (State) Government to stop the Roe 8 project allowed money to be freed up for this project to go ahead. It’s a great outcome for communities in our southern corridor,” Mr Whitby said.
Source The West