Expressions of interest are being sought from industry to design and construct an 8.8 km additional third lane on the Mitchell Freeway between Hodges Drive and Hepburn Avenue.
When upgrades are complete it is anticipated the freeway's southbound capacity between Hodges Drive and Hepburn Avenue will increase by up to 50 per cent, while providing shorter, more reliable journey times for up to 51,000 road users per day.
During morning peak hour up to 15,000 motorists travel southbound on Mitchell Freeway from Shenton Avenue to Warwick Road daily, and once upgrades are complete it is estimated they will save up to 6 minutes on their journey.
Freeway on-ramps will also be upgraded at Hodges Drive, Ocean Reef Road, Whitfords Avenue and Hepburn Avenue, with modifications to allow for future ramp signals.
The principal shared path along the Mitchell Freeway will also be upgraded at various sections between Ocean Reef Road and Hepburn Avenue, to connect with existing facilities.
Premier Mark McGowan said construction on the project will begin later this year and when complete will bring much needed relief to northern suburbs road users.
"As a frequent freeway user, I know how frustrating it is to be caught in traffic," he said.
"When complete, it is estimated these upgrades will provide shorter journeys to up to 51,000 road users daily, meaning less time on the roads and more time spent with family and friends."
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the upgrade would support the growth and expansion of Perth's northern suburbs.
"The Mitchell Freeway has some of the highest traffic demands in Perth and we are expanding this critical corridor to get people home sooner and safer," he said.
"The new lane will alleviate congestion pressure by removing some of the worst pinch points and busting congestion."
State Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said that the upgrades will provide major benefits to motorists on their daily commute to the CBD, ensuring effective access to key services and employment hubs.
"This project will complement the current Mitchell Freeway southbound widening works from Cedric Street to Vincent Street, delivering a combined additional 16 kilometres of lane capacity to the Mitchell Freeway," she said.
"This is just one of our key projects underway in the northern suburbs to reduce congestion and boost local jobs.
"We have undertaken an unprecedented amount of work on key infrastructure projects across the northern suburbs including upgrading the Ocean Reef Road and Wanneroo Road intersection, opening the tender for the first stage of the Stephenson Avenue extension as well as starting work on the Yanchep METRONET line."
Construction on the Mitchell Freeway southbound upgrade project is scheduled to begin in late 2020.
The $76 million project is jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments, with each contributing $38 million.
Premier's office - 6552 5000
