A SECOND major roadworks project, claimed to improve freight movements in Perth’s southern suburbs has been contracted by state and federal governments.
The $1 billion contract to upgrade the Tonkin Highway is even larger than the roadworks announced on 28 January to widen parts of the Kwinana Freeway.
Federal transport minister Catherine King said the Tonkin Highway 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,” Ms King said.
The project will create 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 the South Western Highway, including a number of grade-separated interchanges, underpasses and roundabouts.
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 begin in mid-2025 with completion anticipated by late 2028 and is claimed to support around 4400 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 to deliver one of Western Australia’s most significant road infrastructure projects.
