EVALUATION COMPLETE
The Mitchell Freeway experiences severe congestion through Perth’s Central Business Director due to closely spaced ramps, frequent merging and physical constraints that limit traditional widening. These conditions disrupt traffic flow, increase crash risk and undermine travel reliability on a critical section of the metropolitan road network.
Strategic fit
The proposal supports Australian Government productivity, resilience and sustainability objectives by optimising existing infrastructure and completing the smart freeway corridor through Perth’s CBD.
Societal impact
The preferred option is expected to improve travel times, reliability and safety by reducing stop‑start congestion and crash risk associated with high‑volume merging environments.
Deliverability
While moderately complex, risks related to the management of bridge works, rail interfaces and traffic disruptions are expected to be effectively managed by Main Roads WA.
Infrastructure Australia recommends the proponent develops a detailed business case (Stage 3 of Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework), analysing at least two options and:
- refining the proposal scope based on proposed structural assessments of ageing bridges and stakeholder engagement
- an economic appraisal with an updated cost estimate, detailed emissions assessment and analysis on the impact of increased demand on the economic sustainability of the preferred solutions.
The detailed business case should clarify how the proposal will integrate with planned public transport upgrades to provide a sustainable solution to address congestion in Perth’s CBD.
