The extension of Tonkin Highway is now one step closer following the expression of interest being released
The federal and Western Australian governments have released an Expression of Interest for contractors to tender for the extension of Tonkin Highway.
The $1 billion investment will see the highway extended 14 kilometres south to the South Western Highway while Thomas Road will also be upgraded.
“The federal government is pleased to be working 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,” federal transport and infrastructure minister Catherine King says.
Tonkin Highway will be connected with the surrounding roads by grade separated interchanges at Thomas and Bishop Roads and roundabouts at Orton and Mundijong Roads plus the South Western Highway. Underpasses at Abernethy and Shanley Roads and a bridge over Wright Road are also being provided.
On top of the interchange, Thomas Road willbe duplicated from Kargotich to Wungong South Roads to address traffic congestion, improve road safety and cater for the growing population east, north and south of Byford.
“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,” WA transport minister Rita Saffioti says.
“Extending Tonkin Highway will improve efficiency of truck movements and ensure heavy vehicles are diverted away from growing residential areas like Byford.”
The federal government says a Principle Shared Path on the eastern side of Tonkin Highway will benefit cyclists and pedestrians, with connections at Thomas, Orton, Bishop and Mundijong Roads, the South Western Highway and other local roads.
Horse riders will also be able to safely cross the new highway via equine underpasses at Gossage, Abernethy and Shanley Roads as well as additional connectivity across Thomas Road.
“The Tonkin Highway Extension project will relieve pressure on local roads across Byford, Cardup, Mundijong and Oakford, increasing safety and easing traffic pressure and travel times for the local community,” Darling Range state member Hugh Jones says.
“I look forward to seeing our fast-growing suburbs better connected to jobs and education opportunities, and our local roads become safer for our local families.”
The federal government says the works are expected to support around 2,020 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase.