Joint media statement - Improved connectivity for Perth's southern suburbs

Thursday, 15 December 2016
 
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• ​$45 million Kwinana Freeway widening and Russell Road Bridge duplication opens today
• Upgrades will support Perth's growing south, improve local connectivity, encourage public transport use and reduce the use of 'rat runs' by motorists
• Projects together generated 475 jobs and form part of major $107 million Kwinana Freeway upgrade, with an Australian Government commitment of almost $82 million.

Commuters in Perth's south have received a boost today with the opening of the Kwinana Freeway widening and Russell Road bridge duplication upgrades.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the upgrades, which will support Perth's growing southern region, will improve connectivity and traffic flow for the more than 50,000 motorists who use the major arterial route every day.

"More than 52,000 motorists use the Kwinana Freeway daily and they will now have access to three southbound lanes between Armadale Road and Russell Road. That means more efficient travel, which equals less time stuck and traffic and more time at home with family," Mr Chester said.

"The freeway widening and bridge duplication projects also generated a total of 475 jobs which is great news for West Australians.

"The completion of these upgrades comes at a good time, with the number of vehicles using this route each day estimated to reach 75,000 by 2021."

Senator for Western Australia Chris Back today joined WA Minister for Transport Bill Marmion to mark the official opening of both projects, saying they would improve commute times for residents in the city's south.

"Both the Russell Road and Kwinana Freeway projects will deliver better traffic flow on the principal route between Perth city and the southern suburbs, Mandurah and the state's south-west. The completion of both projects will also reduce the need for motorists to use smaller local roads in the area that haven't been designed to handle a high volume of traffic," Senator Back said.

Western Australia Minister for Transport Bill Marmion said the Russell bridge duplication would also encourage more use of public transport.

"The new bridge will greatly improve the general connectivity of Perth's southern suburbs by making public transport even more attractive for people intending to walk, cycle, drive and park at the soon to be completed Aubin Grove train station," Mr Marmion said.

"The new bridge doubles the current number of lanes to four, improving all traffic movements and catering for expanded traffic volumes. In addition, it will improve access to the new 2,000 bay car park at the future train station. This is a great outcome for the community."

The Kwinana Freeway and Russell Road upgrades were jointly funded projects, the Australian Government contributing $81.97 million and the West Australian Government $25.53 million. The Kwinana Freeway project also included the previously completed widening from the Roe Highway to Armadale Road southbound.