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Mitchell Freeway extension to be delivered early and under budget

Laura PondNorth Coast Times

THE Mitchell Freeway extension project is being delivered under budget and ahead of time.

The recently released State Budget shows the estimated cost of the project is now $236.3 million.

It was originally expected to cost $320 million and later reduced to $261.4 million, with $209.1 million to come from the Federal Government.

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Main Roads spokesman Dean Roberts said the cost change was part of its normal process of reviewing project budgets.

“The State Government received very competitive prices which represented good value for money, allowing the full scope of the project to be delivered for less than originally budgeted,” he said.

“Savings are primarily from scope refinement and lower than expected construction and land acquisition costs.”

Mr Roberts said savings from the project had been redirected to the Perth Freight Link tunnel.

“This is in line with the Commonwealth’s recent announcement of providing additional funding for Perth Freight Link from savings in jointly funded projects.” He said the extension was due for completion early next year instead of its previously anticipated mid-2017 opening.