View source for Mitchell Freeway

{{Short description|Freeway in Perth, Western Australia}}
{{Distinguish|Mitchell Highway}}{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Use Australian English|date=September 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates |date=January 2025}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox Australian road
| road_name    = Mitchell Freeway
| state        = WA
| location        = {{maplink |type=line |frame=yes |plain=yes |frame-align=center|zoom=9}}
| loc_caption      = Map of Perth's northern suburbs with the Mitchell Freeway highlighted in red
| type         = freeway
| length       = 41.5
| length_ref   = <ref name=GMaps />
| est          = 1973
| route        = {{AUshield|S|2}} [[List of road routes in Perth, Western Australia#2|State Route 2]]
| direction_a  = South
| end_a        = {{AUshield|S|2|size=x18px}} [[Kwinana Freeway]] <small>(State&nbsp;Route&nbsp;2)</small>
| exits        = {{Plainlist|
* {{AUshield|S|8|size=x18px}} [[Graham Farmer Freeway]] <small>(State&nbsp;Route&nbsp;8)</small>
* {{AUshield|S|3|size=x18px}} [[Reid Highway]] <small>(State&nbsp;Route&nbsp;3)</small>
}}
| direction_b  = North
| end_b        = Romeo Road
| through      = {{WAcity|perth|Leederville|Osborne Park|Gwelup}}, {{WAcity|Warwick|Duncraig|Kingsley|Joondalup}}, {{WAcity|Clarkson|Butler|Alkimos}}
| show_links   = yes
}}

The '''Mitchell Freeway''' is a {{convert|41.5|km|mi|adj=mid|-long}} [[controlled-access highway|freeway]] in the northern suburbs of [[Perth]], Western Australia, linking [[Perth (suburb)|central Perth]] with the city of [[Joondalup]]. It is the northern section of [[List of road routes in Western Australia#2|State Route 2]], which continues south as [[Kwinana Freeway]] and [[Forrest Highway]]. Along its length are interchanges with several major roads, including the [[Graham Farmer Freeway]] and [[Reid Highway]]. The southern terminus of the Mitchell Freeway is at the [[Narrows Bridge (Perth)|Narrows Bridge]], which crosses the [[Swan River (Western Australia)|Swan River]], and the northern terminus is at Romeo Road in [[Alkimos, Western Australia|Alkimos]].

Planning for the route began in the 1950s, and the first segment in central Perth was constructed between 1967 and 1973. Named after [[James Mitchell (Australian politician)|Sir James Mitchell]], the freeway has been progressively extended north since then. In the 1970s, the first two extensions were completed, up to Hutton Street in [[Osborne Park, Western Australia|Osborne Park]]. By the end of the 1980s, the freeway had reached [[Ocean Reef Road]] in [[Edgewater, Western Australia|Edgewater]]. The [[Yanchep line]] was constructed in the freeway median in the early 1990s. This necessitated the relocation of a section of the southbound carriageway, and the construction of three new bridges. In conjunction with these works, additional lanes were constructed in the realigned section.

Since the 1990s, extensions to the Mitchell Freeway have taken it to Romeo Road in Alkimos, which is the freeway's terminus as of July 2023. Further works are planned, which will eventually take the freeway past [[Yanchep, Western Australia|Yanchep]] and [[Two Rocks, Western Australia|Two Rocks]] to the boundary of the [[Perth metropolitan region]].

==Route description==
[[File:Mkt st to mill pt gnangarra.ogg|thumb|left|alt=Video from driver's perspective|Mitchell Freeway southbound through Perth to the Narrows Bridge (where it becomes [[Kwinana Freeway]])]]
The Mitchell Freeway is the northern section of [[List of road routes in Perth, Western Australia#2|State Route 2]]. It commences at the northern end of the [[Narrows Bridge (Perth)|Narrows Bridge]], [[Perth (suburb)|Perth]], continuing from [[Kwinana Freeway]], and terminates north of the [[satellite city]] of [[Joondalup]] at Romeo Road, [[Alkimos, Western Australia|Alkimos]]. All intersections with the freeway are via [[Grade separation|grade separated]] [[Interchange (road)|interchange]]s. The speed limit is {{convert|100|km/h|-1}} except in central Perth, where the limit is {{convert|80|km/h}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Road Information Mapping System|url=http://gis.mainroads.wa.gov.au/roadinformationmap/|publisher=Main Roads Western Australia|access-date=27 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928155909/https://gis.mainroads.wa.gov.au/roadinformationmap/|archive-date=28 September 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> South of Hepburn Avenue, the freeway has 3 to 5 lanes in each direction. From that point north, there are mostly two lanes in each direction, expanding to three lanes between Hodges Drive and Shenton Avenue. For much of its length the [[median strip]] of the freeway also houses the [[Yanchep line]], with nine of the line's stations and the [[Nowergup railway depot|Nowergup depot]] built on the strip. Additionally, a [[Shared-use path|shared pedestrian and bicycle path]] is built alongside most of the freeway.<ref>{{cite web|title=Perth/Fremantle|url=http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/AT_CYC_P_bike_map_perth_freo.pdf|work=Perth Bike Map Series|publisher=Government of Western Australia Department of Transport|access-date=27 November 2012|year=2009|edition=6th|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402070643/https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/AT_CYC_P_bike_map_perth_freo.pdf|archive-date=2 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Stirling|url=http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/AT_CYC_P_bike_map_stirling.pdf|work=Perth Bike Map Series|publisher=Government of Western Australia Department of Transport|access-date=27 November 2012|year=2009|edition=6th}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Joondalup|url=http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/AT_CYC_P_bike_map_joondalup.pdf|work=Perth Bike Map Series|publisher=Government of Western Australia Department of Transport|access-date=27 November 2012|year=2009|edition=6th}}</ref>

===Perth and West Perth===
<!--Start of mapframe map-->
{{Maplink|frame=yes|frame-width=300|frame-height=580|frame-lat=-31.9510|frame-long=115.8492|zoom=15
|text=Mitchell Freeway interchanges in central Perth
{{div col|colwidth=8em}}{{plainlist|<ul>
<li> {{legend2|#389867|Northbound}}</li>
<li> {{legend2|#4969C1|Southbound}}</li>
<li> {{legend-line|solid #f00|{{resize|Mitchell Freeway}}}}</li>
<li> [[File:Maki2-car-18.svg|18px]] {{resize|Entrance ramp}}</li>
<li> [[File:Maki2-entrance-18.svg|18px]] {{resize|Exit ramp}}</li>
</ul>}}{{div col end}}
|type=line|id=Q1939502|title=Mitchell Freeway
<!-- Southbound entrances: -->
|title2=Riverside Drive eastbound
 |description2=Southbound entrance |coord2={{coord|-31.96149|115.84879}} |type2=point |marker2=car |marker-color2=4969C1
|title3=Riverside Drive westbound
 |description3=Southbound entrance |coord3={{coord|-31.95844|115.85211}} |type3=point |marker3=car |marker-color3=4969C1
|title4=Murray Street
 |description4=Southbound entrance |coord4={{coord|-31.95048|115.84952}} |type4=point |marker4=car |marker-color4=4969C1
|title5=Charles Street
 |description5=Southbound entrance |coord5={{coord|-31.94212|115.85200}} |type5=point |marker5=car |marker-color5=4969C1
|title20=Graham Farmer Freeway
 |description20=Southbound entrance |coord20={{coord|-31.94370|115.85371}} |type20=point |marker20=car |marker-color20=4969C1
<!-- Northbound entrances: -->
|title6=William Street
 |description6=Northbound entrance |coord6={{coord|-31.95797|115.85492}} |type6=point |marker6=car |marker-color6=389867
|title7=Mounts Bay Road
 |description7=Northbound entrance |coord7={{coord|-31.95529|115.85076}} |type7=point |marker7=car |marker-color7=389867
|title8=Wellington Street
 |description8=Northbound entrance |coord8={{coord|-31.94822|115.84947}} |type8=point |marker8=car |marker-color8=389867
|title9=Southport Street
 |description9=Northbound entrance |coord9={{coord|-31.94371|115.84769}} |type9=point |marker9=car |marker-color9=389867
|title10=Graham Farmer Freeway
 |description10=Northbound entrance |coord10={{coord|-31.94329|115.85101}} |type10=point |marker10=car |marker-color10=389867
|title11=Graham Farmer Freeway (Loftus Street exit)
 |description11=Northbound entrance (to Vincent Street) |coord11={{coord|-31.94315|115.84652}} |type11=point |marker11=car |marker-color11=4969C1
<!-- Southbound exits: -->
|title12=Mounts Bay Road / Riverside Drive
 |description12=Southbound exit |coord12={{coord|-31.95461|115.84924}} |type12=point |marker12=entrance |marker-color12=4969C1
|title13=Roe Street / Wellington Street
 |description13=Southbound exit |coord13={{coord|-31.94197|115.84590}} |type13=point |marker13=entrance |marker-color13=4969C1
|title14=Graham Farmer Freeway
 |description14=Southbound exit |coord14={{coord|-31.94153|115.84485}} |type14=point |marker14=entrance |marker-color14=4969C1
<!-- Northbound exits: -->
|title15=Mounts Bay Road
 |description15=Northbound exit |coord15={{coord|-31.96070|115.84726}} |type15=point |marker15=entrance |marker-color15=389867
|title16=Hay Street (from Mounts Bay Road exit ramp)
 |description16=Access road to northbound exit |coord16={{coord|-31.95890|115.84791}} |type16=point |marker16=entrance |marker-color16=389867
|title17=Hay Street
 |description17=Northbound exit (from Mounts Bay Road entrance ramp) |coord17={{coord|-31.95508|115.84895}} |type17=point |marker17=entrance |marker-color17=389867
|title18=Market Street
 |description18=Northbound exit |coord18={{coord|-31.94934|115.84949}} |type18=point |marker18=entrance |marker-color18=389867
|title19=Charles Street / Graham Farmer Freeway
 |description19=Northbound exit |coord19={{coord|-31.94766|115.85013}} |type19=point |marker19=entrance |marker-color19=389867 
}}
<!--End of mapframe map-->
The section near the [[Perth (suburb)|Perth city centre]], within the [[City of Perth]] [[Local government in Australia|local government area]] (LGA), features many partial access interchanges. The Narrows Interchange is located just north of the Narrows Bridge, on the eastern edge of [[Kings Park, Western Australia|Kings Park]]. This is a [[Interchange (road)#Other.2Fhybrid interchanges 3|hybrid interchange]] connecting the freeway with [[Mounts Bay Road]] and [[Riverside Drive, Perth|Riverside Drive]], over a distance of {{convert|800|m}}.<ref name="gmaps directions">{{Google maps|url=https://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Kwinana+Freeway%2FState+Route+2&daddr=Mitchell+Freeway%2FState+Route+2+to:Mitchell+Freeway%2FState+Route+2+to:Mitchell+Freeway%2FState+Route+2+to:Graham+Farmer+Freeway%2FState+Route+8+to:Mitchell+Freeway%2FState+Route+2+to:Mitchell+Freeway%2FState+Route+2+to:Mitchell+Freeway%2FState+Route+2+to:Mitchell+Freeway%2FState+Route+2+to:Mitchell+Freeway%2FState+Route+2+to:Mitchell+Freeway%2FState+Route+2+to:Mitchell+Freeway%2FState+Route+2+to:Mitchell+Freeway%2FState+Route+2+to:Mitchell+Freeway%2FState+Route+2+to:Mitchell+Freeway%2FState+Route+2+to:Mitchell+Freeway%2FState+Route+2+to:Unknown+road&geocode=FaBOGP4dkK_nBg%3BFTppGP4dH7fnBg%3BFXtxGP4dbLTnBg%3BFRaBGP4dhbrnBg%3BFcicGP4dWqLnBg%3BFbKxGP4dSYvnBg%3BFWXnGP4dhlznBg%3BFX03Gf4ds0fnBg%3BFTiDGf4dnvnmBg%3BFdG7Gf4dufvmBg%3BFcboGf4d9fjmBg%3BFfIvGv4dPt7mBg%3BFeqBGv4dTbXmBg%3BFeLLGv4dcbHmBg%3BFdCvG_4d90_mBg%3BFYrHG_4ddkbmBg%3BFf_yG_4d0jDmBg&sll=-31.948389,115.850538&sspn=0.001878,0.003484&vpsrc=6&t=m&hl=en&mra=mi&mrsp=3&sz=19&ie=UTF8&ll=-31.941638,115.86937&spn=0.030044,0.055747&z=15 |access-date=12 April 2013|title=Mitchell Freeway – Driving directions from Kwinana Freeway to Burns Beach Road|link=no}}</ref> There is complete access to and from Mounts Bay Road via a standard northbound exit ramp and looped ramps for the other movements. There is a [[Interchange (road)#Two-way interchanges|partial Y-interchange]] incorporated for direct access to and from Riverside Drive via a southbound exit ramp and a northbound entrance ramp. All other traffic movements must be made via Mounts Bay Road. The Riverside Drive entrance ramp merges with the Mounts Bay Road northbound entrance ramp. The southbound exit ramp is similarly shared, before diverging for three destinations: Mounts Bay Road, Riverside Drive, and the [[Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre]] car park. The main northbound exit to [[Hay Street, Perth|Hay Street]] is via an access road, which begins on the Mounts Bay Road exit ramp. The access road rejoins the freeway as an outside lane on the shared Riverside Drive and Mounts Bay Road entrance ramp. The Hay Street exit ramp, a short distance later, can be accessed from the two outermost lanes. This allows the traffic entering the freeway from the ramp to continue north or exit at Hay Street without [[Grade separation#Weaving|weaving]].<ref name=GMaps>{{Google maps |url=https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/-31.961445,115.847058/-31.6243733,115.7088382 |access-date=7 January 2023}}</ref><ref name=2011UBD>{{cite book |title=2011 UBD Perth and Surrounds Street Directory |year=2011 |publisher=Universal Publishers Pty Ltd |location=Australia |isbn=978-0-7319-2653-4 |pages=1, 145, 166, 186, 206, 207, 227, 247, 267, 268}}</ref><ref name=CBDroads>{{cite web |title=Perth Central Business District (Map) |url=http://www.landgate.wa.gov.au/docvault.nsf/web/PS_FREEMAP/$FILE/Perth_CBD.pdf |publisher=Western Australian Land Information Authority |access-date=27 November 2012 |year=2011}}</ref>

The freeway continues north-westerly for {{convert|240|m}},<ref name="gmaps directions" /> splitting Mount Street in half, and passing under Malcolm Street. After this, it turns north-easterly for {{convert|500|m}},<ref name="gmaps directions" /> and lines up with the city blocks between George and Elder streets, a pair of one way [[frontage road]]s. The freeway also marks the boundary between [[Perth (suburb)|Perth]] and [[West Perth, Western Australia|West Perth]]. Partial access is provided to or from all the roads that the freeway crosses over or under. North of Roe Street, the freeway turns north-west towards [[Glendalough, Western Australia|Glendalough]] over the course of {{convert|1.1|km|1}}.<ref name="gmaps directions" /> In this section the freeway marks the boundary between the [[City of Perth]] and [[City of Vincent]] LGAs. There is a [[Interchange (road)#Full Y interchange|full Y-interchange]] here, the Hamilton Interchange,  with the [[Graham Farmer Freeway]], which bypasses the Perth city centre via a tunnel, and provides access to [[Perth Airport]]. Combined with this interchange is a [[Interchange (road)#Two-way interchanges|partial Y-interchange]] with Charles Street. The southbound entrance ramp merges with, and northbound exit ramp diverges from, the Graham Farmer Freeway ramps. There is a traffic light controlled intersection with Newcastle Street at the northern end of these ramps. Charles Street is the start of [[List of road routes in Western Australia#60|State Route 60]], an alternative route to Perth's northern suburbs and areas north of the [[Perth metropolitan region]]. Located in the vicinity of these interchanges are the Sutherland Street northbound entrance ramp, from West Perth, and a southbound exit ramp to both [[Roe Street, Perth|Roe Street]], and [[Wellington Street, Perth|Wellington Street]], Perth. The [[Loftus Street]] overpass, near the northwestern end of the Graham Farmer Freeway ramps, is the edge of the City of Perth LGA; beyond this point the freeway is the boundary between [[West Leederville, Western Australia|West Leederville]] in the [[Town of Cambridge]] and [[Leederville, Western Australia|Leederville]] in the City of Vincent.<ref name=GMaps /><ref name=2011UBD /><ref name=CBDroads />

===Northern suburbs of Perth===
[[File:Mitchell Fwy 112 N Gwelup Karrinyup Rd.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Photograph of freeway|View north of Karrinyup Road]]
In the northern suburbs of Perth, most of the interchanges are standard [[diamond interchange]]s, and the rest are modified versions, which have ramps missing or replaced with loop ramps. The first interchange {{convert|0.9|km|1}}<ref name="gmaps directions" /> north-west of West Perth, is with Vincent Street and Lake Monger Drive. This interchange has a looped southbound entry ramp, so that Leederville Parade can join to the south side of intersection with Vincent Street and the southbound ramps. The northbound exit ramp terminates at Southport Street, {{convert|200|m|ft}} south of Vincent Street and Lake Monger Drive. The freeway then proceeds northwest for {{convert|1.9|km|mi}}<ref name="gmaps directions" /> alongside [[Galup|Lake Monger's]] eastern edge, after which there is a half diamond interchange with Powis Street, with only a northbound exit ramp and a southbound entrance ramp. The freeway continues north, now within the [[City of Stirling]] LGA, through [[Osborne Park, Western Australia|Osborne Park]], until it reaches Hutton Street after {{convert|2.4|km|mi}}.<ref name="gmaps directions" /> There are several local roads in Osborne Park that have [[Intersection (road)#Types of intersections|T-Junction]] intersections with the freeway ramps south of Hutton Street. These are McDonald Street West and Hector Street West, with the northbound exit ramp; and Cape Street, Hector Street, and McDonald Street with southbound entry ramps. The freeway has an {{convert|3.2|km|mi|adj=on}}<ref name="gmaps directions" /> [[Reverse curve|S-curve]] after Hutton Street, moving to an alignment further west that does not bisect any suburbs. The interchanges with Cedric Street on the S-curve, and [[Karrinyup Road]] at the end of the S-curve, are diamond interchanges. There are slight modifications to the entrance and exit ramps between these roads, which merge for {{convert|500|m|mi}}, requiring traffic to weave. The curved section is the boundary between [[Stirling, Western Australia|Stirling]] to the east of the freeway, and Osborne Park and [[Innaloo, Western Australia|Innaloo]] to the west.<ref name=GMaps /><ref name=2011UBD /><ref name=MetArtRoads>{{cite web|title=Metropolitan Arterial Roads, Perth, Western Australia (Map) |url=http://www.landgate.wa.gov.au/docvault.nsf/web/PS_FREEMAP/$FILE/Arterial_Rds.pdf |publisher=Western Australian Land Information Authority |access-date=26 November 2012 |year=2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907024816/http://www.landgate.wa.gov.au/docvault.nsf/web/PS_FREEMAP/%24FILE/Arterial_Rds.pdf |archive-date=7 September 2012 }}</ref>

The next interchange, after {{convert|1.6|km|1}},<ref name="gmaps directions" /> is with [[Erindale Road]]. It is another half diamond interchange, with only northbound exit and southbound entrance ramps. Beyond Erindale Road, the suburb to the east of the freeway is [[Balcatta, Western Australia|Balcatta]], and {{convert|1.3|km|1}}<ref name="gmaps directions" /> further north is [[Reid Highway]], with the southbound and  westbound-to-northbound entry ramps looped. Balcatta Road joins the intersection of the southbound ramps with Reid Highway. Reid Highway, together with [[Tonkin Highway]], provides a [[Limited-access road|limited-access]] route to [[Perth Airport]].
North of Reid Highway, the Mitchell Freeway divides [[Carine, Western Australia|Carine]] to west from [[Hamersley, Western Australia|Hamersley]] to the east. There is no access to the next major road, [[Beach Road, Perth|Beach Road]]. It forms the border between the City of Stirling and [[City of Joondalup]] LGAs; as well as between Carine and [[Duncraig, Western Australia|Duncraig]] west of the freeway, and Hamersley and [[Warwick, Western Australia|Warwick]] to the east. [[Warwick Road]]'s interchange is {{convert|2.1|km|mi}}<ref name="gmaps directions" /> north of Reid Highway. It is a standard diamond interchange, but weaving is required between Reid Highway and Warwick Road due to the short distance between the interchanges. [[Greenwood, Western Australia|Greenwood]] is located north of Warwick Road and east of the freeway.<ref name=GMaps /><ref name=2011UBD /><ref name=MetArtRoads />

[[File:Mitchell Freeway 286 S Joondalup Moore.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Photograph of freeway|View south of Moore Drive]]
The following two interchanges, after {{convert|2.6|km|mi}}<ref name="gmaps directions" /> and {{convert|2.1|km|mi}}<ref name="gmaps directions" /> respectively, are with [[Hepburn Avenue]] and [[Whitfords Avenue]]. The Hepburn Avenue interchange is located at the corners of Duncraig, Greenwood, [[Kingsley, Western Australia|Kingsley]], and [[Padbury, Western Australia|Padbury]]; while the Whitfords Avenue interchange is located at the corner of Kingsley, Padbury, [[Craigie, Western Australia|Cragie]], and [[Woodvale, Western Australia|Woodvale]]. Each interchange also provides access for the railway stations in the median ([[Greenwood railway station|Greenwood]] and [[Whitfords railway station|Whitfords]] respectively) via the southbound entry ramps, which are [[Two-way street|two-way]] north of the carparks' entrances. North of here, over a distance of {{convert|7|km|mi}},<ref name="gmaps directions" /> are standard diamond interchanges with [[Ocean Reef Road]], [[Hodges Drive]], and [[Shenton Avenue]], which provide access to [[Joondalup, Western Australia|Joondalup]] city centre, and [[Joondalup Health Campus]], east of the freeway. West of the freeway are the suburbs of [[Heathridge, Western Australia|Heathridge]], [[Connolly, Western Australia|Connolly]] and [[Currambine, Western Australia|Currambine]]. [[Edgewater railway station|Edgewater station]] lies just to the north of the Ocean Reef Road interchange (road access via [[Joondalup Drive]]), with the railway deviating to the east from the median just south of Hodges Drive to stop at [[Joondalup railway station|Joondalup station]].

{{convert|350|m|ft|abbr=}}<ref name="gmaps directions" /> north of the Shenton Avenue interchange, the railway line re-enters the freeway median just prior to passing under [[Moore Drive]]. Both the freeway and railway then pass over [[Burns Beach Road]], {{convert|1|km|1}}<ref name="gmaps directions" /> further north with the [[Currambine railway station|Currambine station]] lying {{convert|200|m|ft|abbr=}} to the south. The diamond interchange with Burns Beach Road is the northernmost fully signalised interchange on the freeway and lies at the corner of Currambine, Joondalup, [[Kinross, Western Australia|Kinross]] and [[Neerabup, Western Australia|Neerabup]]. The next interchange, after {{convert|3.5|km|mi|abbr=}},<ref name="gmaps directions" /> is with [[Neerabup Road]] and is a hybrid interchange where the western side is a teardrop roundabout common to [[Dogbone interchange|dogbone interchanges]] while the eastern side is a full roundabout similar to a [[dumbbell interchange]]. The next interchange is reached {{convert|2.7|km|mi|abbr=}} north at [[Hester Avenue]] at a partial [[dogbone interchange]]. 

After Hester Avenue, the northbound and southbound carriageways split and pass around the [[Nowergup railway depot]] before reaching the next interchange at Lukin Drive, after which the railway again deviates from the freeway median, this time to the west to continue on to [[Butler railway station|Butler station]] and beyond to [[Yanchep railway station|Yanchep]]. The next interchange is with Butler Boulevard, and {{convert|1|km|adj=on}} later, the freeway terminates at Romeo Road. Access to areas further north is provided by [[Marmion Avenue]] to the west of the terminus or via [[Wanneroo Road]] to the east.<ref name="GMaps" /><ref name="2011UBD" /><ref name="MetArtRoads" />

==History==
[[File:Narrows Interchange under construction.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Historical photograph|Narrows Interchange under construction, {{circa|1968}}]]
The Mitchell Freeway began as a highway proposed in the [[Metropolitan Region Scheme]] in the mid-1950s.<ref name=MRS1955>{{cite book|title=Plan for the Metropolitan Region|year=1955|publisher=Government Printing Office|location=Perth, Western Australia|url=http://www.planning.wa.gov.au/5308.asp|author=Stephenson, G.|author2=Hepburn, J. A.|access-date=19 July 2012|format=PDF|at=Plates 9, 14|archive-date=27 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927025742/http://www.planning.wa.gov.au/5308.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> The original plan took the route, then known as Yanchep Highway,<ref name=VL>{{cite book|last=Edmonds|first=Leigh|title=The Vital Link: A History of Main Roads Western Australia 1926–1996|year=1997|publisher=University of Western Australia Press|location=Nedlands, Western Australia|isbn=1-876268-06-9}}</ref>{{rp|137}} inland from what is now known as [[Karrinyup Road]] to the intersection of [[Wanneroo Road]] and Balcatta Road.<ref name=MRS1955 /> However, the first gazetted edition of the Metropolitan Region Scheme, from 1963, shows a [[controlled-access highway]] along the current freeway alignment.<ref name=MRS1963>{{cite book|title=The Metropolitan Region Scheme 1963|year=1963|publisher=Town Planning Department|location=Perth, Western Australia|url=http://www.planning.wa.gov.au/5311.asp|edition=First|at=Maps 10, 14|format=PDF|access-date=19 July 2012|archive-date=7 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107160327/http://www.planning.wa.gov.au/5311.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> The later plan only detailed the route up until a point east of [[Sorrento, Western Australia|Sorrento]], at a proposed east-west controlled-access highway on the modern day [[Hepburn Avenue]] alignment.<ref name=MRS1963 />

Detailed design on the first stage of the freeway, from the [[Narrows Bridge (Perth)|Narrows Bridge]] to Sutherland Street at the northern edge of the city, began in 1960, and took several years to be completed.<ref name=VL />{{rp|187–89}} The design included a complex interchange at the Narrows Bridge that was to be built on reclaimed land that was mostly soft mud.<ref name=VL />{{rp|187–9}} Ground improvement works, which included the installations of 43,000 sand drains, began in 1964;<ref name=VL />{{rp|189}} demolition of buildings in the freeway's path commenced in 1965. The freeway was completed in three sections, under three separate contracts.<ref name=VL />{{rp|213}} Construction on the central section from Mount Street to Wellington Street started on 18 November 1966, following a [[groundbreaking]] ceremony conducted by Premier [[David Brand]]. It was opened to traffic two years later, connected to the Narrows Bridge via a temporary [[Bailey bridge]] over Mounts Bay Road.<ref name=VL />{{rp|213}} The new road carried up to 1400 vehicles per hour during [[peak hour]]s.<ref name=VL />{{rp|215}}

Work on the section north of Wellington Street, known as the Hamilton Interchange, began in October 1969. It was partially opened on 17 November 1971, but was not completed until 4 October 1972.<ref name=VL />{{rp|215}} The final part of the project to be completed was the Narrows Interchange. Construction began in 1970 with the installation of thirteen [[Caisson (engineering)|caissons]], which would house [[Deep foundation|foundation]] columns. Placement of the caissons was difficult; as well as sinking vertically as intended, they also tilted and slid horizontally. Corrections were made by selective excavation, blasting bedrock, and applying tension via [[guy-wire]]s.<ref name=VL />{{rp|215–18}} Following the foundation works, construction proceeded swiftly; most of the work was completed by 1972.<ref name=VL />{{rp|217}} Premier [[John Tonkin]] opened the interchange on 30 November 1973.<ref name=VL />{{rp|219}} This initial section functioned only as a distributor for Narrows Bridge traffic accessing [[Perth central business district|Perth's central business district]] or adjacent areas to the north-west.<ref name="MFs1 EA">{{cite web|title=Mitchell Freeway Stage 1 – National Landmark Award Unveiling Ceremony|url=http://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sites/default/files/shado/Learned%20Groups/Interest%20Groups/Engineering%20Heritage/EHA%20WA/Mitchell%20Freeway%20Stage%201.PDF|publisher=Engineers Australia Western Australia Division|access-date=28 November 2012|date=18 November 2008|archive-date=26 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926023702/http://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sites/default/files/shado/Learned%20Groups/Interest%20Groups/Engineering%20Heritage/EHA%20WA/Mitchell%20Freeway%20Stage%201.PDF|url-status=dead}}</ref> Whilst initially referred to as the "Western Switch Road", it was renamed after the former Western Australian Premier and Governor [[James Mitchell (Australian politician)|Sir James Mitchell]], on 5 June 1963.<ref name=VL />{{rp|187&nbsp;}}<ref>{{cite book|last=Bolton|first=G. C.|title=Mitchell, Sir James (1866–1951)|chapter=Sir James Mitchell (1866–1951) |chapter-url=http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/mitchell-sir-james-733|work=Australian Dictionary of Biography|publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University|access-date=20 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite hansard |jurisdiction=Western Australia |title=Address-in-Reply: Sixth Day | url=http://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/Hansard%5Chansard1870to1995.nsf/vwMainBackground/19670810_Assembly.pdf/$File/19670810_Assembly.pdf | house=[[Western Australian Legislative Assembly|Legislative Assembly]] | date=10 August 1967 | page=311 |speaker=[[Ron Davies (Western Australian politician)|Ronald Davies]]|access-date=23 May 2013|format=PDF}}</ref> In 2008, Stage 1 was declared a National Engineering Landmark by [[Engineers Australia]] as part of its [[Engineers Australia#Engineering Heritage Recognition Program|Engineering Heritage Recognition Program]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://portal.engineersaustralia.org.au/heritage/mitchell-freeway-stage-1-1972 |title=Mitchell Freeway Stage 1, 1972 |publisher=Engineers Australia |access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref>

Several stages were built through the late 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s. The first extension of the freeway was nearly a mile long ({{convert|1|mi|disp=output only}}), taking the freeway to Vincent Street. This stage also included a long, curving bridge, eight-span bridge connecting northbound traffic to Charles Street. The construction of this stage, which began in February 1974, resulted in the suburb of [[Leederville, Western Australia|Leederville]] being split in two.<ref name=VL />{{rp|261&nbsp;}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Town of Vincent Municipal Heritage Inventory – Thematic Histor|url=http://www.vincentheritage.com.au/pdf/vincent%20history.pdf|publisher=City of Vincent|access-date=14 November 2012|pages=29–30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426224938/http://www.vincentheritage.com.au/pdf/vincent%20history.pdf|archive-date=26 April 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Residential and industrial buildings were demolished, and streets were cut off on both sides of the freeway's path. The extension opened to traffic on 8 March 1976,<ref name=MetNetworkChanges>{{cite web|title=Major Metropolitan Road Network Changes|url=https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Documents/Network%20Changes_Metro_upto%2030%20June%202012.RCN-D13%5E23105560.PDF|work=Major Network Changes|publisher=Main Roads Western Australia|access-date=30 November 2012|date=20 April 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728013832/https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Documents/Network%20Changes_Metro_upto%2030%20June%202012.RCN-D13%5E23105560.PDF|archive-date=28 July 2013}}</ref> having cost $15.15 million.<ref name=VL />{{rp|261}} It was opened by the state Minister for Transport, [[Ray O’Connor]]. A commemorative plaque was located under the bridge leading to Charles Street.<ref>''Western Roads: official journal of the Main Roads Department, Western Australia'', 1(2), p.2. Perth: Main Roads Department.</ref>

The design of Stage 3 of the freeway, a {{convert|4.8|km|mi|adj=on}} section extending to Hutton Street, was completed in 1974. The existing soil was not suitable for construction, as the area generally consisted of soft peat and old landfills. In 1975, the ground was [[Consolidation (soil)|consolidated]] with {{convert|720000|m3}} of sand.<ref name=VL />{{rp|261}} Construction took place between 1976 and 1978, with the section opened by the Minister for Transport, [[David Wordsworth]], on 2 June 1978.<ref name=VL />{{rp|261&nbsp;}}<ref name=MetNetworkChanges /><ref name="Diversity Chal">{{cite book|title=Diversity's Challenge|year=1999|publisher=City of Stirling|location=Stirling, Western Australia|isbn=0-9598819-2-1|page=388|author=W. S. Cooper|author2=G. McDonald}}</ref> A commemorative plaque was unveiled at the Powis Street bridge.<ref>Mitchell Freeway – stage III (August 1978). ''Western Roads: official journal of the Main Roads Department, Western Australia'', 3(3), p.11. Perth: Main Roads Department.</ref> This stage cost $12.5 million, and received the [[Institution of Engineers Australia]]'s Western Australian Division Engineering Excellence Award in 1978.<ref name=VL />{{rp|261}}

After a four-year gap, construction of Stage 4 began, which would take the freeway to Erindale Road.<ref name="Diversity Chal" /> The first half of the stage, up to Karrinyup Road, opened on 12 December 1983, while the project wasn't complete until 21 September 1984.<ref name=VL />{{rp|308&nbsp;}}<ref name=MetNetworkChanges /> It was opened by the state Minister for Transport, [[Julian Grill]]. This section completed {{convert|24|km}} of freeway in Perth, from [[Bull Creek, Western Australia|Bull Creek]] to Balcatta.<ref>Freeway project advances (April 1985). ''Western Roads: official journal of the Main Roads Department, Western Australia'', 10(1), p.18. Perth: Main Roads Department.</ref> The next two stages were constructed together, extending the freeway to Hepburn Avenue. Stage 5 was from Erindale to Warwick Road, and involved excavating a large quantity of material, including {{convert|600000|t|e9lb|abbr=off}} of limestone. That stage cost $22.73 million, while Stage 6 only cost $8.06 million.<ref name=VL />{{rp|308–9}} Both stages were opened together, on 6 August 1986.<ref name=VL />{{rp|309&nbsp;}}<ref name=MetNetworkChanges /> The first stage of [[Reid Highway]] (then known as the North Perimeter Highway<ref>Maps show "North Perimeter Highway" on the current Reid Highway alignment:
* {{cite report | author1=Western Australia. Metropolitan Region Planning Authority | title=North Perimeter Highway Camboon Road to Malaga Road : controlled access highway : proposed land requirement |date=1983 | publisher=The Authority | url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/159333927 | access-date=1 December 2012 }}
* {{cite report | author1=Western Australia. Metropolitan Region Planning Authority | title=North Perimeter Highway controlled access highway : proposed land requirement |date=1981 | publisher=The Authority | url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/159333926 | access-date=1 December 2012 }}</ref>) was built at the same time, and opened on 16 May 1986.<ref name=MetNetworkChanges /> A further extension to Ocean Reef Road was opened on 2 July 1988 by the Federal Minister for Transport, [[Peter Morris (politician)|Peter Morris]],<ref>Tribute to freeway (October 1988). ''Western Roads: official journal of the Main Roads Department, Western Australia'', 13(3), p.1. Perth: Main Roads Department.</ref> at a cost of $17.5 million. The state and federal governments provided most of the funds, $9.7 million and $5.2 million respectively. The [[City of Wanneroo]] contributed $1.3 million, [[Joondalup Development Corporation]] $1 million, and land developers $300,000, as they wanted the freeway built ahead of schedule to stimulate local development.<ref name=VL />{{rp|309–10}}

[[File:Mitchell Freeway 147 N Walter morning peak.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Photograph of freeway and railway|The Joondalup line in the freeway median]]

In 1991 and 1992,<ref name=MetNetworkChanges /> the median strip of the entire freeway was significantly widened to accommodate the [[Yanchep line]], being built under the [[Northern Suburbs Transit System]] project. The line was to be located in the middle of the road reserve, between the freeway [[carriageways]]. At the time, the northbound and southbound carriageways, between Loftus Street and McDonald Street, were positioned next to each other, with space for future widening located on the eastern side of the road reserve.<ref name=VL />{{rp|395&nbsp;}}<ref name="nsts">{{cite book | title = Northern Suburbs Transit System; Perth to Joondalup Railway; Progress Summary – June 1991 | publisher =The Urban Rail Electrification Committee, [[Government of Western Australia]] | year = 1991 | location =[[Perth, Western Australia]]|pages=1, 6}} Accessed at [[J S Battye Library]], [[Perth]]</ref> Initially, three new road bridges were constructed over Vincent Street, Powis Street, and [[Scarborough Beach Road]]. Once the road bridges had been completed and surfacing works completed, the southbound carriage was relocated, creating the required space for the railway construction. Additional lanes were constructed in the realigned section, funded from regular road funding sources, whilst the bridges and some associated works were included as part of the costs for the Northern Suburbs Transit System project.<ref name="nsts" />

[[File:MitchellFreewayExtMooreDriveMay07.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Photograph|Mitchell Freeway Extension: work in progress at Moore Drive, Joondalup (May 2007)]]

After a 7-year-hiatus, a {{convert|3|km|mi|adj=on}} extension to Hodges Drive was opened by Premier [[Richard Court]] in December 1999, two months ahead of schedule.<ref name="MMS Freeway ext 1999">{{cite web|title=Official opening of extension of Mitchell Freeway from Ocean Reef Rd to Hodges Drive|url=http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/ArchivedStatements/Pages/CourtCoalitionGovernmentSearch.aspx?ItemId=112557&minister=Court&admin=Court&page=3|work=Ministerial Media Statements|publisher=Government of Western Australia|access-date=20 July 2012|date=23 December 1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418200446/http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/ArchivedStatements/Pages/CourtCoalitionGovernmentSearch.aspx?ItemId=112557&minister=Court&admin=Court&page=3|archive-date=18 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The project also included widening the section between Karrinyup Road and Hepburn Avenue to three lanes in each direction.<ref name="MMS Freeway ext 1999" /><ref>{{cite web|title=First section of work to widen Mitchell Freeway complete and open to traffic|url=http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Results.aspx?ItemID=110311|work=Ministerial Media Statements|publisher=Government of Western Australia|access-date=26 July 2012|date=13 December 1999|archive-date=11 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311010335/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Results.aspx?ItemID=110311|url-status=dead}}</ref>

After another 7-year-hiatus, construction began on a 4-kilometre extension to [[Burns Beach Road]], with a diamond interchange at Shenton Avenue and an overpass for Moore Drive.<ref name="BBRd Ext MMS" /> Local residents were opposed to aspects of the initial plans, such as the design of a section near a primary school and the clearing of native vegetation. The state government therefore established the Community Consultative Working Group and later the Construction Reference Group, composed of members of the local community. The input from these groups resulted in several changes to the design.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Liew |first=Justin |title=Working with the community |journal=Civil Engineers Australia |date=November 2007 |pages=64–66 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091002085136/http://www.mitchellfreewayjoondalup.com.au/Media/Newspaper%2BClips/Downloads_GetFile.aspx?id=247 |archive-date=2 October 2009 |url-status=dead |url=http://www.mitchellfreewayjoondalup.com.au/Media/Newspaper+Clips/Downloads_GetFile.aspx?id=247 |access-date=26 July 2012 |format=PDF }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mitchell Freeway, Joondalup: Community|url=http://www.mitchellfreewayjoondalup.com.au/Community/default.aspx|publisher=Mitchell Freeway Joondalup|access-date=26 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091002080633/http://www.mitchellfreewayjoondalup.com.au/Community/default.aspx|archive-date=2 October 2009|year=2006}}</ref> The project was managed by Main Roads in conjunction with [[Macmahon Contractors]]. Construction of the extension was initially planned for May 2006, but began on 14 December 2006. By July 2008, 90% of the works had been completed and the new section was predicted to open in September 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Internet/Projects/Urban/mitchell.asp|title=Urban Projects – Mitchell Freeway – Current Status|website=Main Roads Western Australia|date=June 2008|access-date=21 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726144404/http://www2.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Internet/Projects/Urban/mitchell.asp|archive-date=26 July 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Building Community Trust on Mitchell Freeway Joondalup|url=http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/gta/14300/building-community-trust-on-mitchell-freeway-joondalup|work=Golden Target Awards|publisher=University of Technology Sydney|access-date=1 January 2013|year=2008|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006112309/http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/gta/14300/building-community-trust-on-mitchell-freeway-joondalup|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, the official opening was not until 2 November 2008, when the road was opened by Western Australia's Minister for Transport, [[Simon O'Brien (politician)|Simon O'Brien]], and the previous Minister for Planning and Infrastructure [[Alannah MacTiernan]].<ref name="MetNetworkChanges" /><ref name="BBRd Ext MMS">{{cite web|title=Mitchell Freeway extension opens to traffic|url=http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Results.aspx?ItemID=130823|work=Ministerial Media Statements|publisher=Government of Western Australia|access-date=20 July 2012|date=2 November 2008|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006150606/http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Results.aspx?ItemID=130823|url-status=dead}}</ref> The $160 million project was completed $10 million under budget.<ref>Main Roads, Western Australia, ''Annual Report 2009''. Perth: Main Roads, Western Australia, 2009, p. 9</ref> The opening was celebrated with a procession of vintage cars along the new freeway segment.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mitchell Freeway extension complete: now open to traffic|url=http://www.mitchellfreewayjoondalup.com.au/|publisher=Mitchell Freeway Joondalup|access-date=26 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026075841/http://www.mitchellfreewayjoondalup.com.au/|archive-date=26 October 2009}}</ref>

In its 2011/12 budget, the State Government committed $30 million for the widening of the Mitchell Freeway northbound between Hepburn Avenue and Hodges Drive from two to three lanes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mitchell Freeway widening to help reduce northbound congestion|url=http://www.aeol.com.au/databases/news/mitchell_freeway_widening_to_hel.htm|publisher=Australian Engineering OnLine|access-date=14 November 2012|date=23 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424074325/http://www.aeol.com.au/databases/news/mitchell_freeway_widening_to_hel.htm|archive-date=24 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="JTimes widen Fwy" /> Traffic volumes in the preceding years had increased rapidly, almost reaching the previously projected 2016 traffic volume of 40,000 vehicles per day.<ref name="JTimes widen Fwy">{{cite news|last=Gear|first=David|title=Freeway work will disrupt traffic|url=http://www.inmycommunity.com.au/news-and-views/local-news/Freeway-work-will-disrupt-traffic/7616188/|access-date=16 November 2012|newspaper=Joondalup Times|date=14 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330234855/http://www.inmycommunity.com.au/news-and-views/local-news/Freeway-work-will-disrupt-traffic/7616188/|archive-date=30 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=MRWA-MFwiden>{{cite web|title=Mitchell Freeway Widening|url=http://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/BUILDINGROADS/PROJECTS/URBANPROJECTS/Pages/Mitchell.aspx|publisher=Main Roads Western Australia|access-date=10 April 2013|date=23 February 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426175910/https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/BuildingRoads/Projects/UrbanProjects/Pages/Mitchell.aspx|archive-date=26 April 2013}}</ref> The resulting congestion in the afternoon traffic peak increases the chances of rear-end crashes as well as driver frustration. Construction of the third lane began in February 2013, the {{convert|4.5|km|mi|adj=on}} section from Hepburn Avenue to Ocean Reef Road opened in August 2013 with the remaining section to Hodges Drive completed in early 2014. As part of the project, the existing lanes were resurfaced during the summer months of 2013–14.

The freeway was also expanded further during 2013 with an extra lane northbound between [[Perth (suburb)|Perth]] and Hutton Street, in conjunction with works to increase the capacity of the [[Graham Farmer Freeway]] tunnel. Works progressed in two stages, with Vincent Street as the midpoint. As part of the project, the overpasses at Powis Street, Vincent Street and [[Scarborough Beach Road]] were widened. An additional slip lane was constructed, from the Graham Farmer Freeway's [[Loftus Street]] exit ramp to the Mitchell Freeway northbound, to access Vincent Street without changing lanes to the left lanes of the Mitchell Freeway northbound. The project commenced in February 2013 and was completed in December 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mitchell Freeway northbound widening: Graham Farmer Freeway tunnel to Hutton Street|url=https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Documents/Mitchell%20Fwy%20widening%20city%20to%20Hutton%20newsletter%20%5E231.RCN-D13%5E2321821.PDF|publisher=Main Roads Western Australia|access-date=26 May 2013|date=February 2013|archive-date=15 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515184645/https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Documents/Mitchell%20Fwy%20widening%20city%20to%20Hutton%20newsletter%20%5E231.RCN-D13%5E2321821.PDF|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=GFFTworks>{{cite web|title=Northbridge Tunnel and Mitchell Freeway Widening Project|url=http://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/BuildingRoads/Projects/UrbanProjects/GFF/Pages/GFFMF.aspx|publisher=Main Roads Western Australia|access-date=26 May 2013|date=14 May 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510112032/https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/BuildingRoads/Projects/UrbanProjects/GFF/Pages/GFFMF.aspx|archive-date=10 May 2013}}</ref>

In October 2012 the state government announced that the freeway's interchange with Reid Highway would be upgraded with the installation of extra turning lanes and traffic lights. The project was an interim solution to lower congestion and reduce the volume of traffic using local roads to avoid the interchange.<ref name="MMS Mitchell-Reid">{{cite web|title=Upgrade for Mitchell Fwy/Reid Hwy interchange|url=http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/StatementDetails.aspx?StatId=6580&listName=StatementsBarnett|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130627222716/http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/StatementDetails.aspx?StatId=6580&listName=StatementsBarnett|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 June 2013|work=Ministerial Media Statements|publisher=Government of Western Australia|access-date=28 October 2012|date=12 October 2012}}</ref><ref name="StirlingTimes Mitchell-Reid">{{cite news|last=Lette|first=Erienne|title=Notorious intersection to be upgraded|url=http://www.inmycommunity.com.au/news-and-views/local-news/Notorious-intersection-to-be-upgraded/7633482/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121230210943/http://www.inmycommunity.com.au/news-and-views/local-news/Notorious-intersection-to-be-upgraded/7633482/|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 December 2012|access-date=29 October 2012|newspaper=Stirling Times|date=12 October 2012}}</ref> The longer term plan was to upgrade Reid Highway to a [[dual carriageway]] near the freeway interchange, including a second overpass bridge, and a second free-flowing loop ramp between Reid Highway westbound to the Mitchell Freeway northbound.<ref name="MMS Mitchell-Reid" /> The dual carriageway works commenced construction in May 2015 and were completed a year later.<ref>{{cite web |title=Reid Highway Works |url=https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Documents/Reid%20Highway%20Works%20-%20Project%20Newsletter%20July%202015.RCN-D15%5E23468376.PDF |website=Main Roads Western Australia |access-date=4 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004104929/https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Documents/Reid%20Highway%20Works%20-%20Project%20Newsletter%20July%202015.RCN-D15%5E23468376.PDF |archive-date=4 October 2019}}</ref><ref name="MMS NorthSuburbs" />

In December 2012, the State Government announced the freeway would be extended between 2014–15 and 2016–17, over a distance of {{convert|6|km|mi}} to [[Hester Avenue]] in [[Clarkson, Western Australia|Clarkson]].<ref name="MMS NorthSuburbs">{{cite web|url=http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/StatementDetails.aspx?StatId=6875&listName=StatementsBarnett|title=State Govt's $500m northern suburbs roads package|date=2 December 2012|work=Ministerial Media Statements|publisher=Government of Western Australia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526020118/http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/StatementDetails.aspx?StatId=6875&listName=StatementsBarnett|archive-date=26 May 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=6 December 2012}}</ref><ref name="Perthnow NorthSuburbs">{{cite news|url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/million-roads-fix-favours-northern-suburbs/story-e6frg13u-1226528162457|title=$500 million roads fix favours northern suburbs|last=Mullany|first=Ashlee|date=1 December 2012|newspaper=The Sunday Times|access-date=6 December 2012|location=Perth}}</ref><ref name="Fwy blowout">{{cite news|url=http://www.inmycommunity.com.au/news-and-views/local-news/Freeway-blow-out-fears/7637393/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130120190925/http://www.inmycommunity.com.au/news-and-views/local-news/Freeway-blow-out-fears/7637393/|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 January 2013|title=Hard work will help avoid freeway time 'blow out'|last=Price|first=Margaret|date=6 December 2012|newspaper=Joondalup Weekender|access-date=6 December 2012}}</ref> The extension included interchanges at Burns Beach Road and Neerabup Road.<ref name="MMS NorthSuburbs" /><ref name="Fwy blowout" /> Work on the extension began with a ground-breaking ceremony on 20 May 2015.<ref name="joint statement 2015">{{cite web|url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2015/05/Joint-Media-statement---Mitchell-Freeway-gets-vital-extension.aspx|title=Joint Media statement – Mitchell Freeway gets vital extension|date=20 May 2015|website=Media Statements|publisher=Government of Western Australia|access-date=29 July 2015|archive-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106120322/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Barnett/2015/05/Joint-Media-statement---Mitchell-Freeway-gets-vital-extension.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> The projected cost was $261.4 million, with the federal government contributing  $209.1 million and the state government funding the remaining $52.3 million.<ref name="joint statement 2015" /> The project scope included a {{convert|6|km|adj=on|spell=in}} dual carriageway extension to Hester Avenue, with grade-separated interchanges at Burns Beach Road, Neerabup Road and Hester Avenue. Other roads in the area were upgraded, including widening Hester Avenue and Wanneroo Road, and extending Neerabup Road east to the intersection of Flynn Drive and Wanneroo Road.<ref name="newsletter July 2015">{{cite web|url=https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Documents/MFE%20Newsletter%20July%202015.RCN-D15%5E23368284.PDF|title=Mitchell Freeway Extension Burns Beach Road to Hester Avenue: Issue&nbsp;1|author1=Main Roads Western Australia|date=July 2015|publisher=Government of Western Australia|access-date=29 July 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054753/https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Documents/MFE%20Newsletter%20July%202015.RCN-D15%5E23368284.PDF|url-status=dead}}</ref> The project was completed on 3 August 2017, opened by Prime Minister [[Malcolm Turnbull]], Premier [[Mark McGowan]] and Transport Minister [[Rita Saffioti]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/BuildingRoads/Projects/CompletedProjects/2017/mfe/Pages/Mitchell-Freeway-Ext.aspx|title=Mitchell Freeway Extension – Burns Beach Road to Hester Avenue – Main Roads Western Australia|website=Main Roads Western Australia|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-date=6 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106173126/https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/BuildingRoads/Projects/CompletedProjects/2017/mfe/Pages/Mitchell-Freeway-Ext.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the late-2010s widening works were conducted, with the {{convert|7|km|mi|2|adj=mid|-long}} southbound section of the freeway between Cedric and Vincent Streets widened to four lanes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mitchell Freeway Southbound Widening |url=https://project.mainroads.wa.gov.au/home/Documents/Mitchell%20Freeway%20Soutbound%20Widening%20April%202019.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004110848/https://project.mainroads.wa.gov.au/home/Documents/Mitchell%20Freeway%20Soutbound%20Widening%20April%202019.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 October 2019 |website=Main Roads Western Australia |access-date=4 October 2019}}</ref> $40 million was assigned to the freeway widening itself, with a further $19 million allocated for the upgrade and completion of a Principal Shared Path (PSP) between Scarborough Beach Road and Hutton Street, including a separated pedestrian and cyclist overpass over the former. The bridge for the overpass was notoriously delivered during peak hour on 11 September 2019, causing a {{convert|17|km|mi|adj=mid|-long}} traffic jam for southbound commuters.<ref>{{cite news |last1=De Poloni |first1=Gian |title=Mitchell Freeway sees massive traffic delays as pedestrian bridge delivered in peak hour |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-11/perth-peak-hour-traffic-chaos-on-mitchell-freeway/11499660 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004113010/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-11/perth-peak-hour-traffic-chaos-on-mitchell-freeway/11499660 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 October 2019 |access-date=4 October 2019 |agency=ABC News |date=11 September 2019}}</ref> The corresponding northbound section from Hutton to Cedric Street was also widened to four lanes, with the northbound exit lane onto the latter also widened to two lanes. {{convert|5.3|km|mi|1}} of concrete barriers were also installed between Glendalough Station and Erindale Road.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mitchell Freeway Northbound Widening |url=https://project.mainroads.wa.gov.au/home/mitchellfreewayhuttontocedric/Pages/default.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004114213/https://project.mainroads.wa.gov.au/home/mitchellfreewayhuttontocedric/Pages/default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 October 2019 |website=Main Roads Western Australia |access-date=4 October 2019}}</ref>

The latest extension, from Hester Avenue to Romeo Road in [[Alkimos, Western Australia|Alkimos]] was announced in 2019 and began construction in May 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mitchell Freeway Extension Hester Avenue to Romeo Road |url=https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/projects-initiatives/all-projects/metropolitan/mitchell-freeway-extension/ |website=Main Roads Western Australia |access-date=17 November 2022}}</ref> Originally intended to be completed in 2022, delays brought upon by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] pushed the $232 million extension's opening to 10 July 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Perth's Mitchell Freeway extension to Romeo Road in Alkimos opens |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-09/mitchell-freeway-extension-alkimos-set-to-open/102580680 |date=9 July 2023 |access-date=10 July 2023}}</ref>

==Future works==

===Extensions===
The Mitchell Freeway is planned to continue north to the Metropolitan Region Scheme's boundary, beyond [[Yanchep, Western Australia|Yanchep]] and [[Two Rocks, Western Australia|Two Rocks]].<ref name=NWplan1992>{{cite book|title=North-West Corridor Structure Plan (North of Hepburn Avenue) – 1992|date=June 1998|publisher=Ministry for Planning|location=Perth, Western Australia|url=http://www.planning.wa.gov.au/dop_pub_pdf/nwcsp92a1.pdf|access-date=19 July 2012}}</ref><ref name="JW Mitchell Fwy report">{{cite news|last=Price|first=Margaret|title=Mitchell Freeway needs $400m in work, says report|url=http://www.inmycommunity.com.au/news-and-views/local-news/Mitchell-Freeway-needs-400m-in-work-says-report/7636850/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114224913/http://www.inmycommunity.com.au/news-and-views/local-news/Mitchell-Freeway-needs-400m-in-work-says-report/7636850/|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 January 2013|access-date=6 December 2012|newspaper=Joondalup Weekender|date=29 November 2012}}</ref> 

===Widening and upgrades===

In May 2021 construction began on the implementation of a [[Smart motorway|smart freeway]] system on the southbound carriageway between Hester Avenue and Vincent Street, which will see 16 on-ramps upgraded with coordinated ramp signals and the installation of 20 overhead electronic signs providing information to drivers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Roll out of Smart Freeway technology continues on the Mitchell Southbound |url=https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2021/12/Joint-media-statement-Roll-out-of-Smart-Freeway-technology-continues-on-the-Mitchell-Southbound.aspx |website=Media Statements |access-date=16 November 2022 |archive-date=25 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025173343/https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2021/12/Joint-media-statement-Roll-out-of-Smart-Freeway-technology-continues-on-the-Mitchell-Southbound.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> The works also includes the addition of a third lane to the southbound carriageway of the freeway from Hodges Drive to Hepburn Avenue.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mitchell Freeway widening (Hodges Drive to Hepburn Ave) |url=https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/projects/ProjectDetails.aspx?Project_id=100942-18WA-UCO |website=The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development |access-date=4 October 2019 |archive-date=26 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226123550/https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/projects/ProjectDetails.aspx?Project_id=100942-18WA-UCO |url-status=dead }}</ref> The upgrade was completed in December 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Smart Freeway – Mitchell Southbound |url=https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/projects-initiatives/all-projects/metropolitan/smartfreeways/ |website=Main Roads Western Australia |access-date=17 November 2022}}</ref>

===Interchange upgrades===
In November 2020 works began to extend [[Stephenson Avenue]] northbound from Scarborough Beach Road to Cedric Street, with the extension crossing over the freeway east of [[Stirling railway station, Perth|Stirling station]], as part of the Stirling City Centre development project. The existing Cedric Street interchange will be mostly demolished save for its northbound on-ramp, with traffic redirected to use a new Stephenson Avenue interchange accordingly. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stephenson Avenue Extension |url=https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/projects-initiatives/all-projects/metropolitan/Stephenson-Avenue-Extension/ |website=Main Roads Western Australia |access-date=17 November 2022}}</ref>

==Interchanges==
The entire freeway is in the [[Perth metropolitan region]].
{{AUSinttop|length_ref=<ref name="MRWA Survey">{{cite web|title=Survey Portal|url=https://gis.mainroads.wa.gov.au/surveyportal/|publisher=Main Roads Western Australia|access-date=30 August 2013|format=interactive map|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510112538/https://gis.mainroads.wa.gov.au/surveyportal/|archive-date=10 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}
{{AUS-WAint
|LGAC=Perth
|LGAspan=6
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|perth}}
|lspan=3
|km=0.0
|road={{AUshield|S|2}} [[Kwinana Freeway]] (State Route 2) south
|notes=Southern freeway terminus: continues as Kwinana Freeway}}
{{AUS-WAint
|km=0.3
|km2=0.8
|road={{jctname|country=AUS|state=WA|S|5|name1=[[Mounts Bay Road]]|city1=Nedlands|city2=Fremantle|location3=[[Perth (suburb)|Perth City Centre]]|nolink1=yes}}
|notes=Northbound exit to Hay Street via service road}}
{{AUS-WAint
|type=incomplete
|km=0.8
|road={{jctname|country=AUS|state=WA|S|5|name1=[[William Street, Perth|William Street]]|location1=[[Perth (suburb)|Perth City Centre]]|nolink1=yes}}
|notes=[[Interchange (road)#Two-way interchanges|Partial Y-interchange]]: no northbound exit; Access to [[Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre|Perth Convention Centre]]}}
{{AUS-WAint
|type=incomplete
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|perth|West Perth}}
|lspan=3
|km=1.3
|road=[[Hay Street, Perth|Hay Street]]{{WAcity|p=on|West Perth}}
|notes=Northbound exit only}}
{{AUS-WAint
|type=incomplete
|km=1.4
|road=[[Murray Street, Perth|Murray Street]] / Elder Street – no exit
|notes=Southbound entry only
}}
{{AUS-WAint
|type=incomplete
|km=1.5
|road=Wellington Street – [[Perth (suburb)|Perth City Centre]], {{WAcity|West Perth}}
|notes=Northbound entry and southbound exit only
}}
{{AUS-WAint
|LGA=[[City of Perth|Perth]], [[City of Vincent|Vincent]]
|LGAspan=5
|location=West Perth
|lspan=5
|type=incomplete
|km=1.7
|road=Market Street{{WAcity|p=on|West Perth}}
|notes=Northbound exit and southbound entry only}}
{{AUS-WAint
|type=incomplete
|km=1.9
|road=[[Roe Street, Perth|Roe Street]]{{WAcity|p=on|Northbridge}}
|notes=Southbound exit only}}
{{AUS-WAint
|type=incomplete
|km=2.0
|road={{jctname|country=AUS|state=WA|S|60|name1=[[Charles Street, Perth|Charles Street]]|city1=North Perth|city2=Yokine|nolink1=yes}}
|notes=[[Interchange (road)#Two-way interchanges|Partial Y-interchange]]: northbound exit and southbound entry only}}
{{AUS-WAint
|km=2.0
|km2=2.6
|road={{jctname|country=AUS|state=WA|S|8|name1=[[Graham Farmer Freeway]]|extra=airport|city1=East Perth|city2=Burswood|location3=[[Perth Airport]]|nolink1=yes}}
|notes=[[Interchange (road)#Full Y interchange|Full Y-interchange]]}}
{{AUS-WAint
|type=incomplete
|km=2.3
|road=Sutherland Street – no exit
|notes=Northbound entry only
}}
{{AUS-WAint
|LGA=[[City of Vincent|Vincent]], [[Town of Cambridge|Cambridge]]
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Leederville|West Leederville}}
|km=3.5
|road={{jctname|country=AUS|state=WA|S|72|name1=Vincent Street / Lake Monger Drive|city1=Leederville|city2=Wembley|nolink1=yes}}
|notes=Modified diamond interchange: southbound entry ramp looped, northbound exit ramp terminates at Southport Street; Provides access to/from Leederville Parade}}
{{AUS-WAint
|LGA=[[City of Vincent|Vincent]], [[Town of Cambridge|Cambridge]], [[City of Stirling|Stirling]]
|type=incomplete
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Glendalough|Wembley}}
|km=5.4
|road=Powis Street{{WAcity|p=on|Glendalough|Mount Hawthorn}}
|notes=Northbound exit and southbound entry only}}
{{AUS-WAint
|LGAC=Stirling
|LGAspan=6
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Osborne Park|Stirling}}
|lspan=2
|km=7.7
|road=Hutton Street{{WAcity|p=on|Osborne Park}}
|notes=Local roads have T-Junction intersections with the northbound exit southbound entry ramps}}
{{AUS-WAint
|type=unbuilt
|km=9.3
|road= {{jctname|country=AUS|state=WA|S|64|name1=[[Stephenson Avenue]]|city1=Herdsman|city2=Shenton Park|nolink1=yes}}
|notes= Planned to replace Cedric Street as a diamond interchange.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stephenson Avenue Extension |url=https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/projects-initiatives/projects/metropolitan/Stephenson-Avenue-Extension/ |website=Main Roads Western Australia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921132220/https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/projects-initiatives/projects/metropolitan/Stephenson-Avenue-Extension/ |access-date=21 September 2021|archive-date=21 September 2021 }}</ref>
}}
{{AUS-WAint
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Innaloo|Stirling}}
|km=9.6
|road={{jctname|country=AUS|state=WA|S|64|name1=Cedric Street|city1=Innaloo|city2=Stirling|nolink1=yes}}
|notes=The entrance and exit ramps north of Cedric Street and south of Karrinyup Road merge, requiring traffic to [[Grade separation#Weaving|weave]]
|nspan=2}}
{{AUS-WAint
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Gwelup|Innaloo|Stirling}}
|km=10.9
|road={{jctname|country=AUS|state=WA|S|76|name1=[[Karrinyup Road]]|city1=Karrinyup|city2=Stirling|nolink1=yes}}
|notes=none}}
{{AUS-WAint
|type=incomplete
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Balcatta|Gwelup|Stirling}}
|km=12.5
|road={{jctname|country=AUS|state=WA|S|77|name1=[[Erindale Road]]|city1=Balcatta|city2=Gwelup|nolink1=yes}}
|notes=Northbound exit and southbound entry only}}
{{AUS-WAint
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Carine|Hamersley|Balcatta}}
|km=13.8
|road={{jctname|country=AUS|state=WA|S|3|name1=[[Reid Highway]]|extra=airport|city1=North Beach|city2=Midland|location3=[[Perth Airport]]|nolink1=yes}}
|notes=Modified diamond interchange: southbound entry ramp looped along with Reid-west to Mitchell-North; Provides access to/from Balcatta Road}}
{{AUS-WAint
|LGAC=Joondalup
|LGAspan=6
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Duncraig|Greenwood|Warwick}}
|km=15.9
|road={{jctname|country=AUS|state=WA|S|81|name1=[[Warwick Road]]|city1=Duncraig|city2=Warwick|nolink1=yes}}
|notes=Weaving is required between Reid Highway and Warwick Road}}
{{AUS-WAint
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Duncraig|Greenwood|Kingsley|Padbury}}
|km=18.5
|road={{jctname|country=AUS|state=WA|S|82|name1=[[Hepburn Avenue]]|city1=Sorrento|city2=Ballajura|location3=[[Hillarys Boat Harbour]]|location4=[[Whiteman Park]]|nolink1=yes}}
|notes=Access to [[Greenwood railway station|Greenwood station]] via southbound entry ramp}}
{{AUS-WAint
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Craigie|Kingsley|Padbury|Woodvale}}
|km=20.6
|road={{jctname|country=AUS|state=WA|S|83|name1=[[Whitfords Avenue]]|city1=Hillarys|city2=Wangara|nolink1=yes}}
|notes=Access to [[Whitfords railway station|Whitfords station]] via southbound entry ramp}}
{{AUS-WAint
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Craigie|Edgewater|Heathridge|Woodvale}}
|km=23.2
|road={{jctname|country=AUS|state=WA|S|84|name1=[[Ocean Reef Road]]|city1=Edgewater|city2=Ellenbrook|city3=Ocean Reef|nolink1=yes}}
}}
{{AUS-WAint
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Connolly|Heathridge|Joondalup}}
|km=25.9
|road=[[Hodges Drive]]{{WAcity|p=on|Joondalup|Ocean Reef}}
}}
{{AUS-WAint
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Connolly|Currambine|Joondalup}}
|km=27.7
|road={{jctname|country=AUS|state=WA|extra=hospital}} [[Shenton Avenue]]{{WAcity|p=on|Currambine|Joondalup}}, [[Joondalup Health Campus]]
}}
{{AUS-WAint
|LGA=[[City of Joondalup|Joondalup]], [[City of Wanneroo|Wanneroo]]
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Currambine|Joondalup|Kinross|Neerabup}}
|km=29.8
|road=
{{jctname|country=AUS|state=WA|S|87|name1=[[Burns Beach Road]]|city1=Burns Beach|city2=Carramar|city3=Bullsbrook|nolink1=yes}}
|notes=
}}
{{AUS-WAint
|LGA=[[City of Wanneroo|Wanneroo]]
|LGAspan=5
|type=
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Clarkson|Neerabup}}
|km=33.4
|road=Neerabup Road – [[Neerabup]], [[Clarkson, Western Australia|Clarkson]]
|notes=
}}
{{AUS-WAint
|type=
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Clarkson|Neerabup|Nowergup|Ridgewood}}
|km=35.9
|road= [[Hester Avenue]] – {{WAcity|dash=off|Mindarie|Merriwa|Nowergup}}
|notes=
}}
{{AUS-WAint
|type=
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Butler|Nowergup|Ridgewood}}
|km=38.3
|road= Lukin Drive – {{WAcity|dash=off|Merriwa|Quinns Rocks}}
|notes= Northbound entry ramp looped.
}}
{{AUS-WAint
|type=
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Butler|Nowergup}}
|km=40.5
|road= Butler Boulevard – {{WAcity|dash=off|Butler|Jindalee}}
|notes= 
}}
{{AUS-WAint
|type=
|location_special={{WAcity|dash=off|Alkimos|Carabooda|Nowergup}}
|km=41.5
|road= Romeo Road – {{WAcity|dash=off|Eglinton|Yanchep|Lancelin|Cervantes}}
|notes= Northern freeway terminus
}}

{{Jctbtm|conv=no|keys=incomplete,unbuilt}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Australian Roads|Western Australia}}
* [[Freeways in Australia]]

==References==
{{reflist |30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Mitchell Freeway}}
{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}
* [http://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au Main Roads Western Australia]
* [https://encore.slwa.wa.gov.au/iii/encore/search/C__SMitchell%20Freeway%20(W.A.) State Library of Western Australia] pictorial collection of historical Mitchell Freeway photographs

{{Road infrastructure in Perth}}
{{Road infrastructure in Western Australia}}
{{WA road routes
|route=State Route 2
|shield={{AUshield|S|2|size=x18px}}
|roads={{WA road routes/R|2}}
}}

[[Category:Highways and freeways in Perth, Western Australia]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:James Mitchell (Australian politician)]]
[[Category:Recipients of Engineers Australia engineering heritage markers]]