After more than a decade of planning, work has begun on the 4.5km stretch of road between Baldivis Road and Mandurah Road in Baldivis.
The link will create a faster route between the city and the Kwinana Freeway.
Upgrades to nearby intersections are also planned.
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READ NOWCity of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the council had advocated for the link since 2000.
‘There were many negotiations and approvals to be met throughout the process,’ he said.
‘This small stretch of road represents a significant change in the way people will be accessing the City of Rockingham, Garden Island and Rockingham/Kwinana industrial strip, and will offer a dedicated freight route and a direct road to the coast for commuters.’
The project has faced several years’ delays due to funding deadlines, and prolonged negotiations between the State Government and BHP Nickelwest over the proximity of the road to its Baldivis tailings area.
Planning Minister John Day said it would be an important link between the Freeway and Kwinana industrial area, Kwinana ports, and HMAS Stirling navy base.
‘The road extension will involve full earthworks, construction of a single carriageway, and new intersections on Baldivis, Millar and Mandurah roads,’ he said.