Stirling: Trees removed for Mitchell Freeway widening

TREES are being removed in Stirling to accommodate an extra lane on the Mitchell Freeway.

The mature trees are being cut down in the freeway road reserve south of Cedric Street as part of the widening project to Vincent Street.

Main Roads confirmed 263 of the 653 trees in that section of freeway were removed and noted they were originally planted by the department up to 20 years ago.

Spokesman Dean Roberts said special care was taken to minimise impact including a survey that retained an additional 69 trees.

“The extent of the clearing is restricted to a narrow road corridor in the freeway reserve,” he said.

“To minimise the amount of clearing required, retaining walls and selective clearing will be undertaken in areas of significant vegetation. “Clearing is required to construct an extra southbound lane on the Mitchell Freeway, noise walls and a new Principal Shared Path (PSP) link between Hutton Street and Glendalough Train Station.”

Mr Roberts said removed trees were being “mulched and used along with selected plant species to deliver an improved landscaped outcome”.

Trees and vegetation will be planted following project completion but the number, type and location is still to be finalised.

Main Roads is building noise and screen walls between the southbound lanes and homes, with most next to the freeway and a small number on the residential boundary.

Road works are in place from Karrinyup Road and pedestrians and cyclists are being detoured along residential streets while the PSP is closed.

The project is expected to finish late this year.