The extension of Tonkin Highway to the South Western Highway is another step closer with an Expression of Interest just released for contractors to tender for the WA project.
The $1 billion investment will see Tonkin Highway extended 14km south to South Western Highway, as well as upgrades to Thomas Road.
The Australian and Western Australian governments have committed $768 million and $315 million respectively.
The surrounding roads will be connected to Tonkin Highway with grade separated interchanges at Thomas Road and Bishop Road, and roundabouts at Orton Road, Mundijong Road and South Western Highway. Underpasses will be provided at Abernethy Road and Shanley Road, and a bridge over Wright Road.
Thomas Road will be duplicated from Kargotich Road to Wungong South Road to address traffic congestion, improve road safety, and cater for the growing population east, north and south of Byford.
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said this long-awaited southern extension of Tonkin Highway represents the largest investment this corridor has ever seen, and has been planned for several years, to ensure the project delivers maximum benefits for road users and the broader community.
“Extending Tonkin Highway will improve efficiency of truck movements and ensure heavy vehicles are diverted away from growing residential areas like Byford,” Saffioti said.
“The project will complement the nearby METRONET Byford Rail Extension, METRONET Thomas Road Over Rail, and Thomas Road Safety Improvements between Kwinana Freeway and South Western Highway, to provide communities in our south with greater access to our transport network.”
Tonkin Highway is part of Perth’s Principal Road Freight Network that serves key activity centres such as Perth Airport and the Kewdale Freight Terminal.