Expressions of Interest process commences for $1bn Tonkin Hwy Extension

The $1 billion Tonkin Highway Extension project in Western Australia has reached a major milestone with Expressions of Interest (EOI) released to market. 

Contractors are now invited to submit tenders for the delivery of the project that will extend Tonkin Highway about 14 kilometres south to South Western Highway and upgrade Thomas Road. 

“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,” State Member for Darling Range Hugh Jones said. 

The scope of the project includes: 

• 14-kilometre extension of Tonkin Highway from THomas Road to South Western Highway as a four-lane dual carriageway 
• Principal Shared Path (PSP) on the eastern side of the Tonkin Highway extension for the full 14-kilometre length 
  • Connections to Thomas Road, Orton Road, Bishop Road, Mundijong Road and South Western Highway 
  • Five underpasses at grade separation locations (Thomas Road and Bishop Road) 
  • Footbridge overpass at Orton Road 
  • Minor road connections (Copper Road and Adamson Street) 
• Grade separated interchange at Bishop Road 
• Roundabouts on Tonkin Highway at Orton Road, Mundijong Road and South Western Highway 
• Underpasses at Abernethy Road (road, pedestrian, cyclist and equine), Gossage Road (equine only) and Shanley Road (road, pedestrian, cyclist and equine) 
• Roundabouts at Hopkinson Road/Abernethy Road, and Shanley Road/Jarrahdale Road/South Western Highway 
• Bridges over rail at Bishop Road (as part of interchange) and Wright Road 

“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,” Senator for Western Australia Louise Pratt said. 

Project map (source: Main Roads Western Australia)

Funding has also been allocated for the Thomas Road Upgrade that will duplicate the road from Kargotich Road to South Western Highway as well as deliver the Thomas Road/Tonkin Highway interchange. 

Safety improvements will also be carried out on Thomas Road and Kargotich Road roundabout as part of the Thomas Road Safety Improvements project. 

“This long-awaited southern extension of Tonkin Highway represents the largest investment this corridor has ever seen, and has been planned for 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,” Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said. 

The Tonkin Highway Extension is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, each contributing $768 million and $315 million respectively. 

The billion-dollar project is expected to support about 2,020 direct and indirect jobs during its construction phase. 

“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 north0south 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,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Main Roads Western Australia