THE McGowan government last week signed the contract for the long-awaited construction of a bridge over the Kwinana Freeway in Cockburn Central.

The $134 million contract was won by a consortium of Laing O’Rourke and BG&E under the name Armadale Access Alliance.

Traffic congestion on Beeliar Road has become so bad during peak hour it can take more than 30 minutes to cross through the business district and across the existing bridge to get onto the freeway.

Gateways Shopping Centre has cited the congestion as putting the mockers on its plans to expand and create an entertainment district, as the WAPC won’t allow any more development until the traffic is sorted out.

Under the contract, Armadale Road is also being upgraded from Tapper Road to the freeway, with a new bridge and a trench to help cars move through more quickly.

The bridge was a major election commitment of the McGowan government.

“The Armadale Road upgrade is just one of a number of significant projects underway in Perth’s southern suburbs, which will reduce congestion and lead to safer and more efficient journeys around our suburbs,” premier Mark McGowan said.

“Workers from the cancelled Roe 8 project were transferred to the Armadale Road dual carriageway project, allowing the project to be completed sooner.”