Updated November 2008
Hodges Drive to Burns Beach Road
Current Status
About the Project
Community Consultation
Where to now?
Project Map
Links to further information
The Mitchell Freeway extension to Burns Beach Road is now open to traffic.
The 4 km extension, constructed by Macmahon for Main Roads WA, was opened by Western Australia’s Minister for Transport, Simon O’Brien, on Sunday 2 November 2008.
The opening featured more than 50 vintage cars dating from the 1920s through to the 1960s and was keenly watched by hundreds of local residents.
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The freeway extension was completed $10m under budget at a total project cost of approximately $161m.
The project included:
- construction of two lanes in each direction;
- a railway tunnel south of Moore Drive and relocation of the northern railway line into the freeway median between Joondalup Arena and Currambine
- traffic bridges at Hodges Drive, Shenton Avenue and Moore Drive;
- interchanges at Hodges, Shenton and Burns Beach Road;
- a footbridge opposite Connolly Primary School;
- a shared bike and pedestrian path along the entire length including 3 underpasses;
- 7 km of noise walls to protect residential areas;
- extensive revegetation; and
- public art on bridge abutments, Currambine train station underpasses and selected noise walls.
Provision has been made for an extra lane to be added in each direction when required.
Benefits of the project will include:
- easing of congestion in Joondalup drive and other suburban streets;
- improved safety on the local road network; and
- more efficient access to Joondalup and surrounding suburbs; and
- accelerated residential and commercial development in the northern suburbs.
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A key feature of the Mitchell Freeway extension project was the detailed consultation undertaken by Main Roads and Macmahon with the local community.
The Construction Reference Group, consisting of 14 volunteer community representatives, liaised with Main Roads during the design and construction phases, influencing many important aspects such as:
- the design of the footbridge opposite Connolly Primary School;
- colour and location of noise walls;
- provision of a shared path along the Freeway;
- the design of public art; and
- retention of natural vegetation.
Prior to construction, the community also negotiated a reduction in the height of the freeway opposite Connolly Primary School and replacement of a planned underpass with a footbridge.
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Many people ask when construction of the next extension to the Mitchell Freeway will commence. Main Roads concept plans show the freeway continuing northwards through Nowergup. However, future extensions will be subject to a detailed needs assessment by Main Roads, more extensive planning and availability of funding. The situation is constantly under review.
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Mitchell Freeway Project Map (1 page PDF 360 KB)
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Visit Macmahon Contracting’s project website at: www.mitchellfreewayjoondalup.com.au
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