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 will include including a four-lane dual carriageway from Thomas Road to the South Western Highway and a number of grade-separated interchanges, underpasses and roundabouts.
The project will also cater for the recreation 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.
The contract for Perth’s Tonkin Highway Road project has been awarded to the Tonkin Extension Alliance consortium which includes BMD, Civcon Civil and Project Management, Georgiou Group, BG&E and GHD.
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.
According to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, the extension will directly increase road efficiency in the area.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
This sentiment was echoed by Federal Member for Burt, Matt Keogh, who particularly addressed the easing of heavy vehicle road congestion as a key benefit for local residents.
“Extending Tonkin Highway will get trucks off South Western Highway, which will support this rapidly growing area, giving this community the roads they deserve,” he said.
“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 a game changing project for the south-eastern suburbs.”
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.
In other news, an oversize transport operation will be taking place throughout Melbourne this week.
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