The Government of Western Australia (WA) has selected a consortium including CPB Contractors, Arup Australia Projects, McConnell Dowell Constructors, and Jacobs Group as the preferred option for the A$700m ($490m) Kwinana Freeway upgrade.
The group will now enter negotiations with Main Roads WA before the contract is formally awarded.
This follows the March announcement of the WA government's call for detailed proposals for the Kwinana Freeway upgrade from shortlisted contractors and consultants.
The Kwinana Freeway upgrade is jointly funded by the Albanese and Cook Labour governments and is designed to ease congestion and improve safety on one of Perth’s busiest transport corridors.
Authorities report the freeway currently handles around 100,000 vehicles on a typical weekday and faces regular congestion during peak periods.
The planned works span the section between Roe Highway and Safety Bay Road. Key elements include building a third lane in each direction along an 11km stretch between Russell Road and Mortimer Road.
The plans include a new southbound lane from Roe Highway to Berrigan Drive and a new northbound lane from Russell Road to Beeliar Drive.
Ramp signals will be installed on northbound ramps between Safety Bay Road and Roe Highway to better manage traffic flow during peak periods.
Additional improvements will target median and verge barriers, as well as upgrades to road surfacing and drainage.
The project will also add new or upgraded noise barriers and improve shared-path connections. Detailed design work is scheduled for the second half of the year, with further development continuing into 2026.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, subject to environmental and heritage approvals.
According to the WA government, the project could support up to 4,180 jobs once under way.
WA Premier Roger Cook said: “Widening the Kwinana Freeway will support Western Australians in the southern suburbs of Perth get to home, work and school faster.
“Working with the Albanese Labor Government, we are delivering quality infrastructure across our State to support a high quality of life for all Western Australians.”
WA Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said: “We're proud to be delivering major upgrades to the Kwinana Freeway with a preferred proponent now appointed, putting us on track to start works next year.
“By adding extra lanes, smart traffic management and barrier upgrades, this project will improve road safety and help traffic flow more smoothly during peak periods.
“These upgrades will make a big difference to the daily lives of people commuting from our southern suburbs, as well as the growing number of people working in the commercial and industrial precincts between Perth and Rockingham.”
