Work begins on Mitchell Freeway extension

Work is officially under way on the $171.5 million Mitchell Freeway extension from Hodges Drive to Burns Beach Road in Joondalup.

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said construction work on the four-kilometre extension would be finished by mid 2008, one year behind the government's schedule for the project announced in early 2005.

Ms MacTiernan said the extension would help significantly improve traffic flow in Perth's rapidly expanding northern suburbs.

"This is a major engineering project that will boost residential and commercial development in the city's northern corridor," she said.

"It will ease traffic on local roads making them safer and less congested, cutting transport times and providing convenient access to the heart of Joondalup.

"We have negotiated with Macmahon Contractors to achieve early completion, so the community can enjoy the benefits of the project as soon as possible."

The Minister said the Mitchell Freeway extension project included:

• construction of two lanes in each direction from Hodges Drive to Burns Beach Road with capacity for expansion to three lanes;
• bridges over the freeway at Hodges Drive, Shenton Avenue and Moore Drive;
• a pedestrian/cyclist overpass near Connolly Primary School;
• construction of a new rail tunnel and relocation of the railway line between Joondalup and Currambine Stations; and
• noise walls to protect residents on both sides of the freeway.

Mindarie MLA John Quigley said that the freeway extension was eagerly anticipated.

"This extension is vital for coastal residents north of Hodges Drive and will provide much-needed relief for traffic congestion on Marmion Avenue," Mr Quigley said.

Joondalup MLA Tony O'Gorman was proud of the constructive feedback local residents in the Connolly area had provided, saying their input had improved the project's design.

"The Construction Reference Group had practical input into this project and I am very pleased that they will continue to be consulted throughout the construction phase," Mr O'Gorman said.

"The project management has already indicated that it will continue to listen carefully to the CRG's concerns," he said.

Shadow Planning and Infrastructure Minister Simon O'Brien also welcomed the commencement of the project, but accused the government fabricating the 2005 comments for favourable voter reaction in the seats of Joondalup, Mindarie and Wanneroo.

"The Government's inability to deliver its commitment to the timetable put to the people before the last election now put all of its election promises for the Northern Suburbs in doubt," he said.