17/7/98
The creation of a genuine expressway between Mandurah and Perth moved a major step closer today with six companies being invited to submit detailed construction proposals.
Transport Minister Eric Charlton said the six companies or consortia were being asked to put forward their plans for the 11km extension to the Kwinana Freeway to replace traffic signals on the southern freeway with flyover interchanges.
"We are on target for construction work to begin early next year and for the entire project to be completed by the end of 2000," Mr Charlton said.
"The upgrade of the Kwinana Freeway is one of 34 TransformWA programs which will see a total of $1.3 billion invested in road and transport infrastructure projects right across Western Australia over the next 10 years."
The TransformWA program will see the widening of the Narrows Bridge, the extension of Kwinana Freeway to link with the Mandurah Road dual carriageway, the replacement of the traffic intersections at five locations, and the incorporation of a dedicated dual bus transitway from Perth to South Street, Murdoch.
Mr Charlton said traffic signals would be replaced with interchanges at five locations on the existing freeway, while additional interchanges would be built at Thomas Road, Mortimer Road, and Mundijong Road as part of the freeway extension.
"When this key metropolitan project is completed journey times between Mandurah and Perth will be reduced by about 20 minutes in peak hour," he said.
"Without the traffic signals the journey will be non-stop, leading to vastly improved traffic flows, improved safety, better fuel consumption and reduced vehicle emissions.
"The dual bus lanes will offer commuters from the southern suburbs a vastly improved public transport option with a free-flowing run to and from the city."
The six companies or consortia invited to submit plans are:
Barclay Mowlem-BGC Constracting Consortium;
Baulderstone Hornibrook;
Leighton Contractors;
John Holland-Henry Walker Joint Venture;
Thiess Contractors; and -
Transfield-Macmahon Joint Venture
Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333
