Kwinana Freeway Upgrades Announced

The State and Federal Governments have today announced the hoped for major upgrades to the Kwinana Freeway with the appointment of the preferred proponent to deliver the $700 million project between Roe Highway and Safety Bay Road.

A consortium comprising CPB Contractors, McConnell Dowell Constructors, Arup Australia Projects and Jacobs Group will now enter negotiations with Main Roads WA ahead of the final contract award.

Jointly funded by the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments, the upgrade aims to ease congestion, improve safety, and support growing communities across Perth’s southern suburbs.

What’s planned

A third lane in each direction for the 11‑kilometre stretch between Russell Road and Mortimer Road.
A new southbound lane between Roe Highway and Berrigan Drive.
A new northbound lane from Russell Road to Beeliar Drive.
Coordinated ramp signals on northbound ramps between Safety Bay Road and Roe Highway.
Upgraded median and verge barriers at key locations.

The additional lanes and traffic‑management measures are expected to reduce travel times, improve safety, and support economic activity across the southern corridor.

Detailed design work will begin in the second half of 2026, with construction expected to start in early 2027, subject to environmental and heritage approvals.

Up to 4,180 jobs are expected to be supported once works commence.

The Premier Roger Cook was plainly pleased to make this positive roadworks announcement hot on the heels of the Labor National Conference in Adelaide over the past three days. He said:

“Our delivery of this key election commitment is proof that only my WA Labor Government is putting WA first.

“Widening the Kwinana Freeway will support Western Australians in the southern suburbs get to home, work, and school faster.

“Working with the Albanese Labor Government, we are delivering quality infrastructure across our State to support a high quality of life for all Western Australians.”

Federal Minister Catherine King agreed, adding that:

“Kwinana Freeway continues to be one of the busiest roads in Perth with about 100,000 vehicle movements every weekday and currently experiences congestion during peak periods.

“The upgrades will address rising traffic demands, improve road safety, and facilitate economic opportunities and development of industrial zones.”

WA Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti, never one to shy away from a big roads and infrastructure announcement, observed that:

“By adding extra lanes, smart traffic management, and barrier upgrades, this project will improve road safety and help traffic flow more smoothly during peak periods.

“These upgrades will make a big difference to the daily lives of people commuting from our southern suburbs, as well as the growing number of people working in the commercial and industrial precincts between Perth and Rockingham.

“The Cook Labor Government is committed to improving safety and cutting congestion on our roads and this project will do just that across one of our city’s busiest transport corridors.”

Federal Member for Brand Madeleine King provided a human touch to the freeway works proposal, explaining that –

“By adding extra lanes and upgrades to Kwinana Freeway, workers and families will spend less time in traffic and more time with loved ones.

“These upgrades will also support the local economy, supporting industry and business and creating good and well‑paid jobs.

“Labor is delivering real benefits for the people of Rockingham, Kwinana, and suburbs like Warnbro, Port Kennedy, and Baldivis.”

All true, we are sure!

And in the long run, the pain of major freeway road works will no doubt be worth the gain!

*By Michael Barker, Editor, Fremantle Shipping News

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