Photo: WA Government
The WA and federal governments have announced a $700 million widening of the Kwinana Freeway to cater for greater demand.
Funding has been divided 50-50 for the work which should add around 50 per cent capacity to upgraded sections, ease congestion and better move freight on a road that typically carries 100,000 vehicles every day.
The governments say the work will also support the future Westport container port earmarked for Kwinana as well as growing industrial and defence areas.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says WA is an “economic powerhouse” and they want to invest in future job-creating projects and deliver immediate congestion relief.
“This project will support jobs, improve safety and ease congestion for the 100,000 commuters who use the Kwinana Freeway each day.
WA Premier Roger Cook says that “as a Kwinana local, I know how important this project is for our state”.
“Western Australia is the economic engine room of Australia, with Westport and the Western Trade Coast critical to keeping our economy strong and creating the local jobs of the future in WA,” he says.
The Western Trade Coast is an industrial zone located in Perth, covering 3900 hectares and developed next to a deep-water port, a road and rail network, and power and water utilities.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Catherine King says the project “will increase opportunities and connections, build communities and improve safety.”
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti says the investment “will ensure we can continue our government’s major transformation of the Kwinana Freeway”.
This transformation, she adds, also involves the installation of smart freeway technology, the Armadale Road to North Lake Road Bridge Project and widening of large sections.
“The Western Australian Government is working in partnership with the Australian Government on these and other growth-area roads, including the Stephenson Avenue Extension and Tonkin Highway extension.”
OTHER PROJECTS
The Westport project is the linchpin for future trade growth in Western Australia, the state government says.
Already, $67m in joint funding will be spent on planning and on landside infrastructure.
The two governments are also working together on other projects including the METRONET, upgrades to the Tonkin Highway and the Outback Way.
The Commonwealth says it is spending $9.7 billion on transport infrastructure projects in Western Australia.
