$700m Kwinana Freeway Upgrade Transforming Western Australia Infrastructure
A major infrastructure upgrade is set to reshape Western Australia’s transport network, with the Albanese and Cook Governments committing a combined $700 million to enhance the Kwinana Freeway. This significant investment—$350 million from each government—aims to not only ease congestion for the 100,000 daily commuters but also support freight movement, future trade growth, and industrial expansion in the region.
By widening key sections of the Kwinana Freeway, the project is expected to increase road capacity by approximately 50%, alleviating bottlenecks and improving efficiency for both personal and commercial transport. The investment underscores the government’s commitment to building a more resilient, sustainable, and productive road network that supports Western Australia’s long-term economic growth.
Strengthening Infrastructure to Support the Future
Western Australia is often regarded as the economic engine room of the nation, with its trade, defence, and industrial sectors playing a vital role in Australia’s prosperity. The freeway upgrade is a strategic move to ensure the region remains competitive by supporting critical infrastructure projects, including the much-anticipated Westport project and the Western Trade Coast.
Westport is positioned as a key driver of future trade expansion, designed to bolster the region’s logistics capabilities while ensuring seamless connectivity for freight transport. The new funding builds on the previous $67 million committed to planning and scoping landside enabling infrastructure, reinforcing the project’s importance in securing Western Australia’s place in the global trade market.
Enhancing Commuter Experience and Road Safety
For everyday commuters, the upgrades will mean reduced travel times and improved road safety. With over 100,000 vehicles using the Kwinana Freeway daily, congestion has been a persistent challenge, particularly during peak hours. Widening the freeway will ease these pressure points, ensuring smoother journeys for motorists.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, highlighted the project’s national significance, stating: “The Australian Government remains dedicated to working for all Australians by delivering nationally significant infrastructure projects that enhance productivity and resilience, improve liveability, and promote sustainability.”
By integrating smart freeway technologies, such as real-time traffic management and advanced signalling systems, the project will further enhance the efficiency of the road network, aligning with modern transport strategies seen in other major cities worldwide.
Supporting Jobs and Economic Expansion
Infrastructure investments of this scale are not just about improving roads; they also bring significant economic benefits. The Kwinana Freeway upgrade will generate thousands of jobs, providing a boost to the local workforce and reinforcing Western Australia’s reputation as an economic powerhouse.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised the project’s dual benefits: “Western Australia is an economic powerhouse, and we want to make sure we are investing in future job-creating projects like Westport, while still delivering the immediate congestion benefits for commuters now.”
WA Premier Roger Cook, a Kwinana local himself, also stressed the importance of the investment: “My WA Labor Government is partnering with the Albanese Government to do what’s right for WA. Westport and the Western Trade Coast are critical to keeping our economy strong and creating the local jobs of the future in WA.”
With industrial zones expanding and freight transport needs growing, these roadworks will play a crucial role in ensuring that supply chains remain efficient and economic opportunities continue to flourish.
Part of a Broader Transport Transformation
The Kwinana Freeway upgrade is just one piece of a larger infrastructure puzzle. The Australian Government is investing a staggering $9.7 billion into Western Australia’s transport network, with major projects underway, including:
- METRONET – Expanding Perth’s rail system to improve public transport accessibility.
- Tonkin Highway Upgrades – Enhancing road capacity and safety for one of WA’s busiest corridors.
- Outback Way Development – Strengthening connectivity across remote regions to boost economic development.
WA Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti, welcomed the funding and reiterated its importance for the state’s long-term infrastructure strategy: “The investment will ensure we can continue our Government’s major transformation of the Kwinana Freeway, which has seen the installation of smart freeway technology, the Armadale Road to North Lake Road Bridge Project, and widening to large sections.”
Collaboration between federal and state governments remains pivotal in delivering these large-scale projects that improve connectivity, enhance safety, and support economic growth.
A Smarter, More Connected Western Australia
With construction on the Kwinana Freeway upgrades set to ramp up, Western Australians can expect a transport system that not only meets current demands but is also future-proofed for years to come. From easing congestion to supporting economic expansion and job creation, the investment marks a turning point in how infrastructure development shapes the state’s future.
Western Australia is on the move—quite literally. As these transformative projects take shape, commuters, businesses, and industries alike will benefit from a smarter, more connected road network that paves the way for long-term prosperity.
