A new bridge over the Kwinana Freeway that will improve traffic flow at one of Perth’s most congested areas is officially getting underway today.
The $237 million Armadale Road to North Lake Road Bridge, jointly funded by the Australian ($189.6 million) and Western Australian ($47.4 million) governments, is being delivered by the Armadale Access Alliance (a consortium of Laing O’Rourke).
Anticipated to be completed in late 2021 the project will involve construction of a new bridge over Kwinana Freeway connecting the recently upgraded Armadale Road with North Lake Road.
Up to 55,000 vehicles per day use the existing Armadale Road to Beeliar Drive Bridge and the new North Lake Road bridge will significantly relieve pressure at this traffic hotspot while improving access to the freeway and train station car park.
The City of Cockburn’s population is forecast to grow to over 170,000 by 2031, up from 106,000 in 2015. The City of Armadale’s population is projected to grow to 128,000 from a current level of 82,000 within the same time frame.
As a result, the Australian and WA governments are investing in infrastructure to match the growth of the area – including freeway upgrades, the Karel Avenue upgrade, METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link and the Armadale Road duplication.
In addition to the new bridge, the project includes an upgrade to Armadale Road from Tapper Road to Kwinana Freeway, with a new bridge passing over the Tapper intersection, and under the intersection of Solomon Road via a trench structure. Local roads will be reconfigured with two new roundabouts to maintain connectivity.
The configuration of the Armadale Road and Solomon Road intersection was informed by extensive community engagement and will minimise noise and amenity impacts on residents in the northern part of Atwell.
For users of public transport, the project will improve access to and from Cockburn Central Train Station by alleviating heavy congestion around the station car park during peak times.
Early works are now underway with major construction work to begin in early 2020.
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan outlined the projects underway in the southern suburbs.
“We made a promise to build this infrastructure in the southern suburbs and we’re delivering on our word,” Mr McGowan said.
“My Government is committed to upgrading our road networks which is why we have an unprecedented program of projects underway in our southern suburbs to provide congestion relief and create local jobs.
“Along with this new $237 million project, we are currently undertaking two freeway widening projects, the Murdoch Drive Connection to Kwinana Freeway and Roe Highway, the widening of Karel Avenue and the duplication of Armadale Road.
“These projects are creating thousands of jobs and supporting economic development though improved access to key commercial and industrial precincts.”
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the new bridge would cater for the growing population south of Perth.
“The Armadale Road to North Lake Road Bridge project is another crucial and major investment by the Morrison Government to bust congestion in Perth’s southern suburbs,” Mr Tudge said.
“These works also include additional lanes and turning capacity that will be added to the intersection of Armadale Road and Ghostgum Avenue to support ongoing residential growth in Treeby.”
Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said the Armadale Road to North Lake Road Bridge project complemented nearby road projects.
“The Armadale Road to North Lake Road Bridge project will tackle long wait times at one of the State’s busiest intersections, rated the fifth most congested intersection in 2016,” Ms Saffioti said.
“The huge investment we’re making in southern suburbs infrastructure will transform the transport network and allow for sustainable growth.
“The Armadale Road-North Lake Road Bridge will work hand in hand with our other southern suburb road projects, and will provide better access to Cockburn Station when it becomes a junction for the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link.”
Senator for Western Australia Linda Reynolds said the project addresses congestion at the Kwinana Freeway’s, Armadale Road and Beeliar Drive interchange.
“When the bridge is complete road users will spend less time in their cars, bypassing the Cockburn Gateway Shopping Centre,” Senator Reynolds said.
“Drivers will also be able to merge more efficiently and safely, using on and off ramps connecting to the new bridge over the Kwinana Freeway and other roads on both sides of the Freeway.”
Senator for Western Australia Matt O’Sullivan said the Federal Government was committed to creating local jobs and improving local infrastructure across Western Australia.
“This jointly funded Armadale Road to North Lake Road Bridge is one such example of the Coalition’s promise in action,” Senator O’Sullivan said.
“This project is a crucial element of our Government’s strategy to bust congestion and improve travel times for local people. It will also improve safety by removing more than 20,000 vehicles a day from the already congested Beliar Drive and divert up to 50 per cent of traffic from local roads.”
