WA to build a new lane for Mitchell Freeway to ease congestion, but only in one direction
May 24, 2011
Western Australia will add a third lane for motorists travelling north on the Mitchell Freeway to ease congestion, as the government eyes variable speed signs for southbound traffic.
Transport Minister Troy Buswell says the third lane will be constructed between Hepburn Avenue and Hodges Drive.
Construction will begin in late 2012 and mid 2013, with planning work for the $30 million project to begin next financial year.
“Freeway traffic volumes between Hepburn Avenue and Ocean Reef Road have grown rapidly in recent years, with daily volumes already approaching the 2016 forecast of more than 40,000 vehicles per day,” Buswell says.
“The expansion from two to three lanes on this 7.2km section will increase capacity and help ease the congestion faced as people travel home from work each day. “
Once finished, Buswell says the third lane will deliver a six-lane 23km freeway corridor north from Glendalough to Joondalup.
However, Buswell says Main Roads must examine the use of intelligent transport systems such as variable speed limits for southbound motorists.
“If the southbound lanes were widened, traffic would still slow and congest between Karrinyup Road and Powis Street, which would see city-bound motorists get to this section quicker and potentially cause extended periods of delay,” he says.
Meanwhile, the Government will complete upgrades to the Coalfields Highway on the Collie to Allanson section. It will also begin upgrades between the Wellington Dam turn-off and Allanson.
“This phase of the upgrade will see a number of major realignments of the highway from west of the Wellington Dam turn-off to the Allanson town site,” Buswell says.