The Western Australian Government has announced the start of work on major road works around Perth, in a bid to ease congestion and improve flow to the State’s capital.

State Transport Minister Troy Buswell said work would soon start on the addition of extra lanes in the Northbridge Tunnel, which is part of the Graham Farmer Freeway, and an extra lane on the Mitchell Freeway, northbound to Hutton Street.

“This $57million project is part of a bigger package of transport solutions to improve the operation of the CBD road network and address the challenges associated with Perth's increasing population,” Mr Buswell said.

“Once completed, it will provide an alternative route for east-west CBD traffic; and improve merging, exit arrangements and northbound capacity on Mitchell Freeway. It will also help manage the impact of other important CBD developments.”

The freeway works are being undertaken by Abigroup, which will initially concentrate on the section from the city to Vincent Street and ultimately increase northbound capacity on Mitchell Freeway.

Mr Buswell said work will start on the Northbridge Tunnel in March, with the new lanes open to traffic in May. The improvements will be complemented by a driver education campaign to ensure motorists are well-informed about the new lane-merging arrangements.