The extension of Tonkin Highway to South Western Highway is another step closer with an Expression of Interest just released for contractors to tender for the project.
The $1 billion investment will see Tonkin Highway extended 14 kilometres 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.
Cyclists and pedestrians will benefit from a Principal Shared Path on the eastern side of Tonkin Highway, with connections at Thomas Road, Orton Road, Bishop Road, Mundijong Road and South Western Highway, along with other local roads.
Horse riders will be able to safely cross the new highway via equine underpasses at Gossage Road, Abernethy Road and Shanley Road, as well as additional connectivity across Thomas Road.
The works are expected to support around 2,020 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase.
As stated by Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"The Australian Government is pleased to be partnering with the Western Australian Government to enhance Perth's south-west corridor with the delivery of the Tonkin Highway Extension and upgrades to Thomas Road, which will reduce traffic pressure and improve connectivity.
"The project forms part of a package of infrastructure works set to transform the Tonkin Highway corridor, providing a high standard north-south transport link from Muchea down to Mundijong.
"These include the upgrade between Collier Road and Great Eastern Highway known as the Tonkin Highway Gap, the upgrade of the intersections south of Roe Highway at Hale, Welshpool and Kelvin roads and the Tonkin Highway North Ellenbrook Interchange project."
As stated by WA Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti:
"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. This will enhance safety and improve the amenity of local communities.
"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."
As stated by Senator for Western Australia Louise Pratt:
"The south-east corridor is an important and fast-growing area, with Byford and surrounding suburbs faced with large volumes of traffic travelling to and from the South West and Wheatbelt regions.
"The 14 kilometre extension will reduce pressure and travel times for traffic, improve road connectivity between current and future residential, business and employment precincts, and bolster safety.
"I'd like to thank the Western Australian Government for its planning and commitment to this important project."
As stated by State Member for Darling Range Hugh Jones:
"The Tonkin Highway Extension project will relieve pressure on local roads around Byford, Cardup, Mundijong and Oakford, increasing safety and easing traffic pressure and travel times for the local community.
"I look forward to seeing our fast-growing suburbs better connected to jobs and education opportunities, and our local roads become safer places for our local families."
