The transformation of Tonkin Highway has reached another important milestone, with a contract awarded for major upgrades between Roe Highway and south of Welshpool Road.
The Tonkin Highway Corridor project, funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, will significantly improve safety, reduce congestion, and provide more reliable travel times along the critical route.
NRW has been awarded the contract, which includes widening Tonkin Highway to six lanes, delivering new grade separated interchanges at Welshpool Road East and Hale Road, and delivery of a new shared path for cyclists and pedestrians.
The project will be delivered in stages, with the Welshpool Road East interchange constructed first to support local connectivity.
Western Power relocation works are already underway along Hale Road, with major construction expected to get underway once the work is complete later this year.
The project is expected to support around 600 jobs a year on average during the construction phase.
The Western Australian Government is also funding development work that is ongoing for a new interchange at Kelvin Road, which will be delivered as a future stage of the corridor upgrade.
The project is part of a wider transformation of the critical transport link, with work underway on the Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade and the Tonkin Highway Gap project completed in 2024.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"Our government is committed to improving the road network for people who live, work, and travel within Western Australia.
"As well as reducing congestion, the project will improve safety, efficiency and reliability across this crucial transport link.
"By investing in the Tonkin Highway Corridor, we are not just improving infrastructure, but also laying the foundation for future prosperity, ensuring Western Australians enjoy safer, more efficient travel for years to come."
Quotes attributed to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The Cook Labor Government is delivering record investments in our State's road network to keep Western Australia moving safely and efficiently.
"Tonkin Highway is a crucial transport link that helps drive our State's economy and connects communities across our south-eastern suburbs.
"These upgrades will help traffic flow more smoothly through this corridor, improving safety for all road users and reducing travel times for locals.
"It's part of our long-term transformation of Tonkin Highway, which once complete, will improve safety and efficiency from Muchea to Mundijong."
Quotes attributed to Federal Member for Bullwinkel Trish Cook:
"The Tonkin Highway is an incredibly important road for our community.
"These upgrades are just one example of how the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments continue to invest in making the road network safer for everyone in the community.
"We are working together on this important project for Perth's south-eastern suburbs."
Quotes attributed to Forrestfield MLA Stephen Price:
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to delivering quality infrastructure that will make a big difference to my community and those across the south-eastern suburbs.
"These upgrades will improve safety and reduce congestion along this busy freight route, so locals spend less time in traffic and more time with their families.
"This project will also deliver new walking and cycling infrastructure to help our community stay active and connected."
