The Government of Western Australia has called on shortlisted contractors and consultants to submit detailed proposals for the A$700m ($497.1m) Kwinana Freeway upgrade, marking a new phase of the project.
The first of the three shortlisted groups is made up of BMD constructions, GHD, Georgiou Group, and WSP Australia. The second group comprises CPB Contractors, Arup Australia Projects, McConnell Dowell Constructors, and Jacobs Group.
NRW Contracting, Aurecon Australasia DT Infrastructure, and BG&E make up the third shortlisted group.
The Kwinana Freeway, which records around 100,000 vehicle movements each weekday, is one of Perth's principal transport routes.
Planned works for the project involve constructing a third lane in both directions along an 11km section between Russell Road and Mortimer Road to address rising traffic volumes.
New ramp signals will be introduced on northbound on-ramps, aiming to manage peak period traffic flow more effectively.
Southbound, the project will provide a fifth lane between Roe Highway and Berrigan Drive, while northbound works will create a fourth lane from Russell Road to Beeliar Drive.
Additional works include enhancements to safety barriers, road surfacing, and drainage systems.
From January 2020 to December 2024, more than 1,960 crashes were reported on the Kwinana Freeway. Most of these involved rear-end impacts associated with heavy congestion and unpredictable traffic conditions.
The concept design for the upgrade details additional lanes, shared path connections, and proposed new or modified noise walls, with further development expected through 2026.
Subject to regulatory approval, construction on the Kwinana Freeway upgrade is scheduled to begin in 2027.
The project covers the section from Roe Highway to Safety Bay Road and receives joint funding from the Albanese and Cook governments.
Western Australia Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said: “We're transforming Kwinana Freeway to slash peak-hour travel times and improve safety for commuters using this busy transport corridor.
“By adding additional lanes and smart traffic management, road users will experience a smoother and safer journey during peak periods.
“This project will also unlock opportunities for more residential, commercial, and industrial development, supporting local jobs and families in our southern suburbs.”
The upgrades respond to significant growth and increased demand resulting from residential and industrial expansion in Perth’s southern metropolitan region.
Western Australia Premier and Kwinana MLA Roger Cook: “Reaching the next step of the election commitment to widen the Freeway helps meet my government's priority to deliver quality infrastructure across our State through improving our road network.”
