A major job-creating road project in Perth's south has reached a critical milestone with a contract now awarded.
The $1 billion Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade Project will see the transformation of the south-east of Perth, delivering a 14-kilometre extension of Tonkin Highway as well as major upgrades to Thomas Road.
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 4,400 direct and indirect jobs, marking a significant boost for the local economy.
The contract to deliver the project has been awarded to 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.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"The Australian Government is proud to partner with the Western Australian Government to deliver this transformative project, which will significantly enhance Perth's south-east by reducing traffic pressure and improving connectivity.
"This project will 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."
Quotes attributable to WA Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti:
"Our Government understands 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.
"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."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Burt Matt Keogh:
"This $1 billion project is a great example of the Albanese Government working in partnership with the Cook WA Labor Government to make the journeys of people in our south-eastern corridor faster and safer.
"We have seen incredible growth through the suburb of Byford and that means every day you're getting more and more interaction between local traffic and trucks.
"Extending Tonkin Highway will get trucks off South Western Highway, which will support this rapidly growing area, giving this community the roads they deserve.
"This will make a huge difference to everyday life - whether it's dropping the kids at school or going up to the city, this is game changing project for the south-eastern suburbs."
Quotes attributable to State Member for Darling Range Hugh Jones:
"The Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade project will ease traffic pressure on local roads, making them safer and reducing travel times for our community.
"This project will better connect our fast-growing suburbs to jobs and education opportunities while improving safety for local families."
