The contract has been awarded for the $1 billion Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade Project that will transform the south-east of Perth, delivering a 14-kilometre extension of Tonkin Highway as well as major upgrades to Thomas Road.
The project will be delivered by the Tonkin Extension Alliance consortium which includes BMD, Civcon Civil and Project Management, Georgiou Group, BG&E, and GHD, bringing together a wealth of expertise and experience to deliver one of Western Australia’s most significant road infrastructure projects.
The extension of Tonkin Highway will include a four-lane dual carriageway from Thomas Road all the way to South Western Highway, including a number of grade-separated interchanges, underpasses and roundabouts.
The project will also cater for the recreational needs of the area with several equine underpasses, and a new principal shared path along the entire 14-kilometre extension.
It will also benefit local communities in Byford, Armadale, Kelmscott and Gosnells which currently contend with large volumes of heavy vehicles on local roads, travelling to and from the South West and Wheatbelt regions.
Upgrades to Thomas Road will include duplication of 4.5-kilometres between Kargotich Road and South Western Highway, new principal shared path and upgrades to a number of local intersections including Kardan Boulevard, Masters Road and Plaistowe Boulevard.
Construction of the project is scheduled to commence in mid-2025 with completion anticipated by late-2028 and is set to support around 4400 direct and indirect jobs, marking a significant boost for the local economy.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the project would deliver significant benefits to Western Australia’s freight and logistics network, by creating a high-standard north-south transport link, improving road safety, freight efficiency, and connectivity for residents, businesses, and commuters.
“The project is part of a broader investment to the Tonkin Highway that will deliver a high-standard north-south transport link, including key upgrades such as the Tonkin Highway Gap,” she said.
WA Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the Government understood the critical importance of transport infrastructure projects.
“They create thousands of jobs, deliver significant economic benefits to local businesses and communities, and ensure our transport network can meet the needs of our growing population,” she said.
“The extension of Tonkin Highway will be a game-changer for the movement of freight to and from the South West and Wheatbelt, and provide a safer road network for people living in suburbs like Byford, Armadale, Kelmscott and Gosnells who currently contend with large volumes of heavy vehicles on local roads.
“This extension complements METRONET’s Byford Rail Extension and other safety improvements in the area, ensuring better access to our transport network for communities in the south.”