This $57m project is part of a package of transport solutions to improve the operation of the CBD road network and address the challenges associated with Perth's increasing population.
It includes:
Providing an extra lane in the Northbridge Tunnel in each direction;
Building an additional lane on Mitchell Freeway northbound from Graham Farmer Freeway to Hutton Street; and
Widening the traffic bridges over Powis Street, Vincent Street and Scarborough Beach Road
Latest news & traffic changes
Mitchell Freeway
This work is being undertaken by Abigroup.
Traffic management is in place on the Mitchell Freeway northbound, between the Northbridge Tunnel and Hutton Street.
One lane is closed and traffic is being diverted onto the emergency lane as a replacement. Currently the speed limit is 60kmh throughout the worksite, however Abigroup is working with Main Roads to modify the traffic barriers which will allow the speed limit to be increased to 80kmh out of hours and in areas where work is not in progress. This should be in place by the end of May.
Work between the tunnel and the Loftus Street bridge, including resurfacing, is also scheduled for completion by the end of May (subject to weather conditions). This includes the completion of works under the Loftus Street bridge to remove the current merge from the new Loftus Street slip lane to the freeway northbound and finish the new lane to Vincent Street, Loftus Street ramp modifications and signal adjustments and signage for the Loftus Street slip lane.
Resurfacing to Vincent Street is also scheduled for completion by the end of May, subject to weather conditions. Once this section is finished, all traffic management will be removed.
Abigroup has also started work on the section to Hutton Street, which will be finished by December 2013. This includes the bridge widenings at Powis Street, Vincent Street and Scarborough Beach Road. Night works will be required for the resurfacing.
Motorists are advised to expect delays (especially during peak traffic periods) and seek alternative routes where practical. Please drive with caution and observe all traffic signage.Diagrams on the works are available to download:
Northbridge Tunnel (Graham Farmer Freeway)
Over a series of weekend and overnight closures in April 2013 Lend Lease completed the majority of work to add a third lane to the tunnel in each direction, which included resurfacing, lane marking and installation of new Lane Use Management Signals.
The tunnel started operating in its new configuration on 29 April 2013. For more information on the tunnel, visit our Navigating the Tunnel page.
Additional tunnel closures will also be required to complete the following supplementary works. These closures will be carefully scheduled and widely advertised to minimise disruption to road users:
Finalise and commission new Lane Use Managament Signals
Design, build and install new directional and guide signs
Minor adjustments to pavement and lane marking, particularly to merge at the eastbound departure from the tunnel
Transfers to barrier with emergency contact information
Directional signage on the westbound departure pavement
Variable Message Sign installation
Jet and axial fan installation
Replacement of fire Indicator panel and associated systems
Control system upgrade and testing
Project Benefits
Once completed, this project will:
Provide additional capacity via an alternative route for east-west CBD traffic;
Improve merging arrangements onto Mitchell Freeway;
Improve northbound capacity on Mitchell Freeway; and
Improve the exit arrangement at Vincent (Southport) Street from Mitchell Freeway (northbound).
It will also help manage the impact of major projects such as the Elizabeth Quay development. Elizabeth Quay is one of the most significant developments in Australia and will see Riverside Drive realigned to allow traffic to flow into Barrack and William Streets.
Additional closures will be required at a later date for the following supplementary works:
- Variable Message Sign installation
- Jet fan installation
- Axial fan installation
- Replacement of fire Indicator panel and associated systems
- Control system upgrade and testing
Animated fly throughs
Main Roads has produced a series of animated fly throughs to clearly show the new lane and exiting arrangements. Please visit the Navigating the Tunnel page for more information.
Timeframe
| October 2012 |
PTA begins service relocation works on Mitchell Freeway southbound |
| January 2013 |
MRWA awards Design and Construct contract for Mitchell Freeway works |
| February 2013 |
Start work on Mitchell Freeway northbound to Vincent Street
PTA completes relocation works on Mitchell Freeway southbound |
| April 2013 |
Lend Lease completes tunnel works |
| May 2013 |
Complete major work on Mitchell Freeway northbound from Graham Farmer Freeway to Loftus Street bridge |
| December 2013 |
Complete work on Mitchell Freeway northbound to Hutton Street |
Visit the Freeway Works page for up-to-date information on current works associated with the project.
Frequently asked questions
We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about this project, which are available here.
Publications
Click here to view MRWA’s February 2013 Project Overview.
Further Information
For real time traffic information, sign up to Perth Traffic.
For further information about these works please contact our Customer Information Centre on 138 138 or email us.
Technical enquiries specifically relating to the work on Mitchell Freeway northbound may also be directed to Abigroup’s Community Infoline on 1800 209 192.