The Tonkin Gap project in Perth is officially complete, and is now benefitting thousands of commuters, path users and the local community with significant improvements to journey times and amenities.
Construction started in 2020, and the project was delivered on time despite several project challenges including completing works under live traffic conditions, removal and replacement of the Broun Avenue Bridge and duplication of the Redcliffe Bridge (now Mooro-Beeloo) with minimal impact to the Swan River ecosystems.
Last December the notorious bottleneck on Tonkin Highway was alleviated with additional lanes opened and the speed limit subsequently reinstated to 100km/h.
Cyclists and pedestrians can enjoy the continuous path between Wattle Grove and Morley on 3.1km of new and upgraded Principal Shared Path (PSP) along Tonkin Highway.
With the PSP between Premier Place and Marshall Road in Ballajura reopened, bike riders and pedestrians are now able to travel uninterrupted from Mandurah to Muchea on the upgraded PSP networks.
Other improvements include new interchanges at Great Eastern Highway and Guildford Road, and new bridges over the Swan River, Dunstone Road, Railway Parade and Guildford Road.
The new BMX and mountain bike skills area under the Mooro-Beeloo Bridge has also become a popular recreation area in the local community.
Rail-enabling works for METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line are nearing completion, with Tonkin Highway in both directions between Reid Highway and Collier Road reinstated to 100kmh.
The final section of Tonkin Highway between Hepburn Avenue and Reid Highway will be reinstated to 100kmh in both directions once Malaga footbridge works are complete, expected later next month.
The project’s supply chain involved over 250 sub-contractors delivering packages of work with a focus on local spend and supply, creating more than 3000 jobs.
“Tonkin Gap is one of the most important road infrastructure projects being undertaken in the Perth metropolitan area and to see it delivering benefits to the community is fantastic,” said WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.