Mitchell Fwy extension proponent named

A joint venture between WBHO Infrastructure and NRW Holdings has been named the preferred proponent for $90 million of upgrades to the Mitchell Freeway.

Those upgrades are expected to begin in the second half of this year and completed by 2023, with the state government estimating that works will support 1,000 jobs in that time.

Works will include additional lanes throughout the length of the freeway, upgrades to pedestrian and cycling paths and construction of a third lane between Hodges Drive and Hepburn Avenue.

WBHO executive general manager Will Grobler said he was pleased with today’s news.

“The announcement builds on the recent successful delivery of the Wanneroo Road Ocean Reef Road Interchange Project,” he said.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with Main Roads and working with our JV partner to apply our complementary skillsets specific to this project.”

NRW managing director Jules Pemberton similarly welcomed the state government's announcement.

"Being named as preferred proponent further underlines the importance of the BGC Contracting acquisition completed in late 2019 which positioned the business to address the fast-growing infrastructure sector particularly in Western Australia," he said.

Planning and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the works will benefit the 28,000 vehicles that use the freeway during morning peak period.

“Combined with travel time savings of up to seven minutes already experienced on the recently completed Cedric to Vincent Street upgrade, northern suburbs residents can expect to save up to 14 minutes on their morning commutes to the CBD,” she said.

“It will help bust congestion, alleviating pressure on the road network and improving connections now and into the future.”

The final contract award is expected to be announced next month.