Project Sheet Download
Project Objective
“To relieve major congestion bottlenecks and increase capacity on Kwinana Freeway heading North, between Russell Road and Roe Highway, through the provision of an additional freeway lane.”
Recommended Action
The State Government and Opposition commit $75 million (50% of total cost) in the next term of government to construct the additional lane north on the Kwinana Freeway from Russell Road to Roe Highway.
Project Objective
“To relieve major congestion bottlenecks and increase capacity on Kwinana Freeway heading North, between Russell Road and Roe Highway, through the provision of an additional freeway lane.”
Introduction
The South West Metropolitan Region has an estimated population of 419,200 (June 2015, ABS: 3218) and has experienced population growth of around 16% from 2010 to 2015, with growth local government areas such as Kwinana and Rockingham experiencing average growth of 27.5% and 22.9% respectively over the same five year period. Significant growth has also been experienced in the South East Corridor with the City of Armadale population growing at almost 30% since 2010.
This population growth, coupled with increased north-south traffic movements linked to the commercial developments and the Forrest Highway freeway extension, has resulted in severe congestion experienced on the Kwinana Freeway between Russell Road and Roe Highway.
Key Issues & Solutions
The construction of an additional lane south on the Kwinana Freeway between Roe Highway and Russell Road is nearing completion and work completed to date between Roe Highway and Cockburn Central has significantly improved south bound traffic flows along the freeway.
The construction of an additional freeway lane north from Russell Road in Aubin Grove to Roe Highway in Murdoch is urgently required, to alleviate congestion on the Kwinana Freeway heading into the Perth CBD.
The north bound section of the freeway is identified as a congestion hotspot in Main Roads daily traffic reports during AM and PM peaks. This section is also severely congestion most of the day leading to unacceptable travel times and associated losses in productivity and road user frustration.
It is understood that the additional lane north will require major structural works for the bridge over the freight rail line (between Roe Highway and Berrigan Drive) which is a major cost factor for this important and necessary work.
In addition, it is understood that Main Roads is proposing to introduce intelligent transport systems (ITS) as part of its managed freeway system to this section of the Kwinana Freeway, for entry ramps in both the north and south bound directions.’
The use of ITS technologies is a key component for the upgrade of the Kwinana Freeway aimed at enhancing capacity and improving traffic flows.
The Federal Government contributed funding to the additional lane south and a share funding arrangement based on 50% contributions from the Australian and Western Australian Government is required to construct the additional lane north.
The South West Group will continue to lobby the Federal Government to achieve a shared funding arrangement for the additional freeway lane north.
South West Group Position
The South West Group supports the construction of the Armadale Road Bridge to address congestion impacts currently experienced at this locality, which are likely to further increase following completion of the Cockburn West Aquatic and Recreation Centre and the duplication of Armadale Road.
Recommended Action
The State Government and Opposition commit $75 million (50% of total cost) in the next term of government to construct the additional lane north on the Kwinana Freeway from Russell Road to Roe Highway.
