The Western Australian government announced funding measures ahead of its budget being handed down this month, with this year’s edition putting a particular emphasis on tackling congestion on key freight routes in and around Perth.
More than $485 million has been allocated to several critical road projects that seek to fix road congestion on key freight roads in Perth’s south.
The funding includes a $460 million package to widen the Kwinana Freeway between Roe Highway and Mortimer Road and address one of the worst congestion points in the state’s freeway network while enhancing freight efficiency.
Further funding has been allocated to deliver upgrades on four key roads in Perth’s southern suburbs, following on from commitments made by the government in the lead-up to the state election earlier this year.
The federal government is also committing $350 million to the Kwinana Freeway project in a 50:50 split with its WA counterpart.
“Like so many Western Australians who live south of the Swan River, I understand how frustrating it is to be stuck in congestion along Kwinana Freeway,” WA premier Roger Cook says.
“Given our state’s booming economy and our growing population, we know this will continue to be an issue unless our government gets on with the job of fixing it.
“That’s why my government made a commitment during the election to make driving along the Kwinana Freeway easier – and I’m proud to say we’re getting on with the job of delivering that commitment as part of our budget.
“These upgrades will do more than just ensure everyone in Perth’s south can easily use the roads they rely on to get to work or school.
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“They will also support development of the Western Trade Coast – helping to diversify Western Australia’s nation-leading economy and secure my government’s vision for a future that is made in WA.”
The Kwinana Freeway between Russell Road and Mortimer Road carries more than 100,000 vehicles per day, with up to 15 per cent being heavy freight vehicles. This latest investment will add roughly 50 per cent capacity to the upgraded sections of the freight route where currently congestion is reducing the efficiency of freight movements.
The works to widen the freeway are set to start in 2026/27, with upgrades including an additional lane in both directions between Russell Road and Mortimer Road to take the section of freeway from two lanes to three, as well as an additional southbound lane between Roe Highway and Berrigan Drive to take the lanes from four to five.
The project will also add an extra lane northbound from Russell Road to Beeliar Drive while including new co-ordinated ramp signals between Safety Bay Road and Roe Highway to improve traffic flow on the freeway.
While the major budget focus is on the Kwinana Freeway, the state government also announced $17 million will be provided to build roundabouts at the intersections of Kargotich Road with Abernerthy Road, Orton Road and Gossage Road and $7 million will deliver upgrades to the Baldivis Road and Kulija Road intersections.
Additionally, $1.5 million has been contributed towards the upgrade of the Nicholson Road and Warton Road intersection.
WA transport minister Rita Saffioti says these new projects follow current upgrades such as the delivery of the Tonkin Highway extension and Thomas Road upgrades.
“Anyone that drives on the Kwinana Freeway knows how frustrating this congestion hot spot is, and the drain it has on our economy through lost productivity,” she says.
“Aside from reducing congestion and improving safety, these upgrades will create jobs and help boost the economy through the creation of improved freight efficiencies.”
Federal transport minister Catherine King has welcomed the budget funding commitments to improve freight efficiency in the state.
“We welcome this contribution by the WA Cook Labor Government to what will be such an important project for the state,” she says.
“Not only will it improve travel for the 100,000 journeys that take place on the Kwinana Freeway each day, but it will be a critical investment that supports future trade growth in Western Australia.
“This is another example of the federal and state Labor governments partnering to deliver critical infrastructure that meet the challenges of today while planning for the opportunities of tomorrow.”
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