Joint media statement - Procurement underway for major Anketell Road upgrades

Major upgrades to Anketell Road are moving forward, with expressions of interest now open for contractors to help deliver a safer, more efficient freight corridor between Leath Road and Abercrombie Road in Perth's south.

Jointly funded by the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments, the first stage of upgrades will include expanding Anketell Road to a dual carriageway between Abercrombie Road and Rockingham Road, and delivering a new grade separated interchange at Rockingham Road.

The project will also include significant upgrades to Rockingham Road and Beard Street, modifications to existing roads and accesses, delivery of new shared paths and will allow for a future freight rail corridor to connect to a new on dock rail terminal.

These upgrades will shift heavy vehicle traffic away from residential areas to reduce congestion, improve safety, and decrease travel times on local roads.

The Anketell Road upgrades will drive economic development across WA's premier strategic industrial area, the Western Trade Coast, to support the State's economic diversification and long-term job creation.

It will also support the operation of the future Westport container terminal, the Kwinana Bulk Terminal redevelopment, and the future Defence precinct in Henderson.

The expressions of interest process will identify experienced proponents to progress to the next stage of procurement for the project, with an alliance contract expected to be awarded by late 2027.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

"The Albanese Government is pleased to be partnering with the Cook Government to deliver the Anketell Road upgrade.

"Delivering a wider and safer Anketell Road is a huge investment in future supply chains for Western Australia.

"Providing this safe corridor will mean more efficient freight movements, reduced travel times and lower costs for businesses and consumers."

Quotes attributable to WA Transport and Major Infrastructure Minister Rita Saffioti:

"We're getting on with upgrading Anketell Road and Rockingham Road to reduce congestion and take trucks off local roads.

"This project will play a crucial role in driving Western Australia's economic growth by strengthening access to the Kwinana Industrial Area and wider Western Trade Coast, as well as the future Westport container terminal.

"These road upgrades will improve safety and help reduce congestion for surrounding communities as these major economic infrastructure projects ramp up, while supporting local businesses and generating quality jobs for Western Australians."

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Brand Madeleine King:

"By widening the corridor between Leath Road and Abercrombie Road, we will be directly building a freight link which backs our local truckies and improves access to the Kwinana industrial area.

"Advancing these works mean we will soon see fewer heavy trucks cutting through local neighbourhoods, instead using a dedicated freight corridor."