Mitchell Freeway Extension a step closer with preferred proponent named

The Mitchell Extension Joint Venture (MEJV) has today been named as the preferred proponent to deliver the $215 million Mitchell Freeway extension.

MEJV consists of Australian companies BMD Construction and Georgiou Group.

The project is expected to create and support 1,200 local jobs and involves extending the Mitchell Freeway 5.6 kilometres from Hester Avenue in Clarkson to Romeo Road in Alkimos.

The final contract is expected to be awarded in coming weeks with early works to commence in early 2021.

The extension will alleviate pressure on the local road network, reducing travel times and improving safety and connectivity for commuters and local residents.

Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the Mitchell Freeway Extension Project would create more jobs for hard-working Western Australians.  

"The Morrison Government has prioritised funding for critical road and rail infrastructure in WA," Mr Tudge said.

"That funding means a huge amount of construction activity is underway across Perth on targeted infrastructure that is helping the economy out right now, and building for the future."

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said this was just one of the major infrastructure projects the McGowan Government had fast-tracked as part of the road out of COVID-19.

"It's fantastic to see these Australian-based companies, both of which have a significant WA presence and employ local workers, deliver one of our major infrastructure projects," she said.

"This is one of eleven major road projects, in our Building for Tomorrow infrastructure program, where we have fast tracked to get works underway and workers on the ground as soon as possible.  

"Along with the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension and other major road projects, such as the Wanneroo Road and Joondalup Drive Interchange we are delivering key infrastructure for the northern suburbs."

"We will also be optimising the performance of the Mitchell Freeway southbound from Hester Avenue to Perth by introducing the same smart technology that has worked so well on the Kwinana Freeway."

Federal Member for Pearce Christian Porter said the extension would provide more opportunities for local residents heading in and out of the City.

"The northern suburbs are booming and the population growth is only going to continue over the next decade," he said.

"It's vital we deliver these much needed infrastructure upgrades now.

"I, along with my community, have been calling out for this extension so it's fantastic to see the project taking shape."

State Member for Butler John Quigley said the extension would make a huge difference for local Butler residents.

"Extending the Mitchell Freeway to Alkimos will slash travel times and make commuting safer for northern suburbs residents," he said.

"We've been waiting a long time for this project and I'm proud to be a part of a Government that is finally getting on with the job of building our northern suburbs."

The Mitchell Freeway Extension Project - Hester to Romeo Road, is jointly-funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, with each contributing $107.5 million.

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.