Kwinana Freeway’s new southbound lane between the Leach and Roe highways has been completed and will open to traffic at midday tomorrow – great news for all those planning to get away for the coming long weekend.

Federal Minister Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese said the completion of this multimillion project means that holiday-goers, as well as regular commuters, can now expect quicker, less frustrating driving conditions heading south out of Perth.

“Completed on-time and on-budget, the upgrade of the Kwinana Freeway is just one of many projects made possible thanks to the record investment Federal Labor is making in the State’s road, rail and public transport infrastructure,” said Mr Albanese.

“All up, this Labor Government has nearly doubled annual Federal infrastructure spending to $3.7 billion over the life of our current six-year Nation Building Program – or from $154 to $261 per West Australian.”

Representing Mr Albanese at today’s official event marking the completion of the project, Senator Louise Pratt said beyond this long weekend the additional lane will ease congestion along the Freeway and deliver better driving conditions for the more than 100,000 motorists and truck drivers that use it every day.

“Perth is growing rapidly, which is why Labor is making record investments in WA’s infrastructure. This development will make a huge difference for commuters that live or work south of the river,” said Senator Pratt.

“Nobody likes being stuck in traffic, especially when you’re heading on a family holiday or just a weekend away.  That’s why the project team have worked so hard to complete the new lane before the long weekend.

“Work is continuing on the new northbound lanes with the aim of ‘future-proofing’ this road.”

The Kwinana Freeway Widening project is being jointly funded by the Federal and State governments, with both contributing $29 million.  Work on the new northbound lanes is on track to be completed by the end of the year.