The freeway, in conjunction with Great Eastern Highway and Orrong Road, is also an important connection between the city centre and Perth Airport.

The freeway's western terminus is a hybrid interchange, combining a Full Y interchange with the Mitchell Freeway, an exit to James Street, and an entrance ramp from and exit ramp to Loftus Street.

The freeway then crosses the Swan River over the 406-metre (1,332 ft), six lane Windan Bridge.

This stage won an award from Austroads, the Association of Australian and New Zealand Road Transport and Traffic Authorities.

[9] During several weekend closures in April 2013, the existing breakdown shoulders were removed to accommodate an extra lane of traffic in each direction, without modifying the tunnel's structure.

[10] The removal of the breakdown lanes was criticised by the state Opposition, and the RAC raised concerns about emergency response times.

[14] The works were designed to improve the traffic flow in the Perth CBD, which was affected by construction projects such as the development of Elizabeth Quay.