Tonkin Highway Upgrade will Unlock Jobs and Improve Safety in Perth
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are now open for the long-anticipated upgrades to Western Australia’s Tonkin Highway. Contractors have been invited to submit their tenders for the first phase of this significant project, marking the beginning of a major transformation of one of Perth’s busiest transport corridors.
The $366 million project, aimed at upgrading the stretch of Tonkin Highway from Roe Highway to Kelvin Road, has been jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments.
The Federal Government is chipping in $293 million, while the WA Government is providing $73 million. These upgrades are set to not only reduce congestion but also create a wealth of job opportunities in the local community.
A Strategic Investment for Western Australia
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King emphasised the importance of this project, stating: “Our Government is busy at work delivering on what WA needs for the future. Right across the State, we’re investing in roads and infrastructure which will improve travel times and safety, and Tonkin Highway will be an important addition to that suite of upgrades.”
This project is a vital part of a broader strategy to improve WA’s road network. With its completion, commuters and businesses alike will benefit from faster, safer travel routes, while local workers will gain access to new job opportunities and training. Minister King further highlighted: “It will also create thousands of jobs in the local community and unlock training opportunities for Western Australians wanting to obtain new skills.”
Project Scope and Contracts: A Two-Stage Approach
The Tonkin Highway upgrades are being divided into two key contracts to ensure the work is managed efficiently:
- Contract 1: Hale Road to Welshpool Road: This first stage involves constructing interchanges at Hale Road and Welshpool Road East. The Hale Road interchange will feature partial connections, while Welshpool Road East will offer full connectivity. Additionally, this section will see the widening of the highway to accommodate more traffic. EOIs are currently being sought for this package.
- Contract 2: Kelvin Road: The second contract, which is still under development, focuses on the Kelvin Road interchange. This stage will also include the remaining work to widen Tonkin Highway. However, it won’t be rolled out until after environmental approvals are secured.
Once the EOIs are finalised, the design and construct contract for the first stage is expected to be awarded by mid-2025. Major construction is set to commence later that year, with significant changes to the highway anticipated by 2026.
Political Support for a Better Perth
Federal Member for Burt, Matt Keogh, has been a long-time advocate for improvements along Tonkin Highway, and he couldn’t hide his enthusiasm for the upcoming works.
“I’ve been advocating for years on behalf of our community to make Tonkin Highway faster and safer, and I’m glad the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments are working together on this important project for Perth’s South Eastern suburbs,” Keogh said.
He pointed out that the congestion on this highway has been an increasing problem for years. “The congestion on Tonkin Highway has been increasing for years; these upgrades will make a massive difference for our growing community. I can’t wait to see works get underway.”
Keogh also underlined the importance of the project in building the future for the region. “Only Labor is making the infrastructure investments we need to build a better Burt,” he added.
A Critical Freight and Commuter Route
Tonkin Highway plays a pivotal role in connecting Perth’s industrial heartland to its ports, airports, and freight terminals. More than 50,000 vehicles travel this section of the highway every day, and around 13 per cent of those are heavy vehicles. It’s no surprise then that by 2031, this highway is projected to have the fifth highest “delay cost” in the State.
State Member for Forrestfield Stephen Price added: “People in my community are heavily impacted by the congestion build-up along this section of Tonkin Highway, which is why it’s critical we take action to make travel on this road smoother and safer for all.”
That said, the improvements won’t come without some growing pains. Price warned that disruptions will be inevitable once construction starts in 2025. “Whilst these changes will significantly improve this section of Tonkin Highway, they will cause some disruption from mid-2025, so we will be engaging closely with the community to inform them about likely impacts,” Price remarked.
A Roadmap for Success
The transformation of Tonkin Highway from Roe Highway to Kelvin Road includes some ambitious upgrades designed to ease the bottlenecks that plague this essential corridor. The key elements of the works include:
- Widening the highway from four lanes to six, starting from south of Roe Highway up to Kelvin Road.
- Grade separation at three crucial intersections:
- Welshpool Road: Full connectivity to and from Tonkin Highway, north and southbound.
- Hale Road: Partial connection, with north-facing ramps for traffic heading to the airport and Perth.
- Kelvin Road: Full connectivity at this interchange.
- Median and verge barriers to enhance safety along the route.
- A Principal Shared Path will be created for cyclists and pedestrians, connecting to the existing paths on the northern section of the highway.
- Lighting and noise walls will be installed to improve safety and reduce noise pollution for nearby residents.
- There will also be local urban design and landscaping opportunities to enhance the aesthetics and usability of the area.
These upgrades will also include underpasses at key ramps and new intersections to ensure seamless travel for all users.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of the Tonkin Highway upgrade is the economic benefit it will bring to the region. The project is expected to support approximately 2,500 direct and indirect jobs throughout its construction phase. This will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy, while also delivering essential infrastructure improvements.
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti is particularly enthusiastic about the project’s potential. “Tonkin Highway is a major freight route in Perth metropolitan region, but with significant congestion, our Government is taking action to make this road smoother, safer and more efficient,” she said.
“This important upgrade project will improve safety and the movement of freight and people by creating free-flowing traffic conditions,” Saffioti added.
Preparing for a Smoother, Safer Future
This stretch of Tonkin Highway has long been notorious for its congestion, especially at the Welshpool Road intersection, which frequently tops lists as one of the worst choke points in the area. By eliminating these bottlenecks, the project will not only improve traffic flow but also make travel safer for both commuters and freight operators.
In addition, the Tonkin Highway upgrade will complement the recently completed Tonkin Gap Project, which is already delivering faster travel times and safer journeys for Perth residents.
As Western Australia continues to invest in infrastructure, projects like this one are key to preparing the State for future growth and ensuring that its transport networks remain robust, efficient, and safe for all.
