A major new road infrastructure project, which will create an estimated 4,400 jobs for Western Australians, is now underway.
The more than $1 billion Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade is one of the biggest road transport infrastructure investments ever delivered in Perth's south-east corridor.
The project will deliver a 14-kilometre extension of Tonkin Highway from Thomas Road to South Western Highway and duplicate 4.5 kilometres of Thomas Road.
The project will significantly improve road safety, reduce congestion and strengthen freight efficiency for one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.
Once completed in late 2028, the project will:
- Provide safer and more efficient journeys for more than 60,000 vehicles expected to use the corridor daily.
- Remove thousands of heavy vehicles off local roads, reducing pressure on communities in Byford, Armadale, Kelmscott and Gosnells.
- Deliver new grade-separated interchanges, underpasses and roundabouts to improve traffic flow and safety.
- Introduce new shared paths for cyclists and pedestrians along the entire extension, and equine crossings designed in consultation with local users.
- Complement the METRONET Byford Rail Extension, due to open on October 13 2025, ensuring balanced transport choices for the region.
The project will provide a significant injection to the local economy, delivering thousands of direct and indirect jobs, while also creating opportunities for local suppliers, contractors and First Nations businesses.
With early works including site establishment and traffic realignments underway, today's event marks the transition into major construction with large-scale earthworks, bridge structures and interchange building set to ramp up over the coming months.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments.
Further information on the project can be found at the Main Roads website .
Please see below a link to vision and artist's impressions of the project:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Y7jGB2N0gQmxQtclneWlfjN2CfTWJ1S3?usp=sharing
As stated by Acting Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Julie Collins:
"The Albanese Government is proud to be investing $749 million in this transformative project.
"It will not only deliver safer, faster and more efficient connections, but also create thousands of jobs and strong opportunities for local businesses."
As stated by WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This is a once-in-a-generation project that will transform Perth's south-east, improve safety, and create thousands of critical jobs for Western Australians.
"This project forms part of our Government's strong pipeline of infrastructure investment to grow our economy, create jobs for Western Australians and improve the lives of people across our communities.
"Extending Tonkin Highway will be critical to getting the larger, heavy freight off local roads, making them safer for locals but also improving the efficiency of supply chains and the movement of goods around our State.
"Together with the METRONET Byford Rail Extension, this project will ensure Perth's south-east corridor has the right mix of road, rail, cycling and equestrian infrastructure to support its growth into the future."
As stated by Federal Member for Burt Matt Keogh:
"The Tonkin Highway extension is another example of the Albanese Government and Cook WA Government working in partnership for our south-eastern corridor, making journeys faster and safer.
"Importantly the growing community in Byford will also benefit from upgrades to Thomas Road, which has struggled with traffic in and out of Byford on neighbourhood streets."
As stated by State Member for Darling Range Hugh Jones:
"As our community continues to grow, this project will provide safer and more efficient connections to improve ease of movement and separate local traffic from heavy freight on our roads.
"I would like to acknowledge and thank people for their patience and understanding during this time of growth and transformation for our community.
"As this project ramps up, we are nearing completion of the METRONET Byford Rail Extension, which will not only provide an affordable and convenient commute for locals, but offer a tremendous opportunity for residents to consider public transport during interruptions to our road network."
As stated by State Member for Oakford Yaz Mubarakai:
"Our Oakford community has been waiting a long time for this project, and it's fantastic to see work officially underway.
"Local families, freight operators and businesses will all benefit, from safer journeys and reduced congestion to better connections right across the region."
