William Scott
The Federal and Western Australian Governments are set to provide a jointly funded $700 million upgrade to the Kwinana Freeway, to support economic growth and deliver benefits for commuters.
The Federal Government will invest $350 million to ensure this important work gets delivered.
Widening the Kwinana Freeway will add around 50 per cent capacity to the upgraded sections, easing congestion for motorists and improving the efficiency of moving freight on a road that typically carries 100,000 vehicles every day.
This investment will also support the operations of the future Westport project, while improving safety and delivering congestion relief for commuters.
The upgrades to road infrastructure will also support the growing industrial areas and Defence Assets on the Western Trade Coast.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that the Federal Government is working with the Western Australian Government to build the state’s future.
“Western Australia is an economic powerhouse, and we want to make sure we are investing in future job creating projects like Westport, while still delivering the immediate congestion benefits for commuters now,” Prime Minister Albanese said.
“This project will support jobs, improve safety and ease congestion for the 100,000 commuters who use the Kwinana Freeway each day.”
Premier of Western Australia, Roger Cook, said that as a Kwinana local, he knows how important this project is for the State.
“Western Australia is the economic engine room of Australia, with Westport and the Western Trade Coast critical to keeping our economy strong and creating the local jobs of the future in Western Australia,” Premier Cook said.
“My government is partnering with the Federal Government to do what’s right for Western Australia.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that the Federal Government remains dedicated to working for all Australians by delivering nationally significant infrastructure projects that enhance productivity and resilience, improve liveability and promote sustainability.
“We are getting on with delivering a better future for all Australians, and this project will increase opportunities and connections, build communities and improve safety,” Minister King said.
Western Australian Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti, said that the State Government welcomes this critical investment by the Federal Government.
“The investment will ensure we can continue our major transformation of the Kwinana Freeway, which has seen the installation of smart freeway technology, the Armadale Road to North Lake Road Bridge Project and widening to large sections,” Minister Saffioti said.
“The Western Australian Government is working in partnership with the Federal Government on these and other growth-area roads, including the Stephenson Avenue Extension and Tonkin Highway extension.”
