Australia, Freight, News

Major WA road project to boost freight efficiency

Upgrades to Thomas Road will include duplication of 4.5-kilometres between Kargotich Road and South Western Highway Image: AdobeStock/Jana Schönknecht

A major 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 of Tonkin Highway will include a four-lane dual carriageway from Thomas Road to South Western Highway, including several grade-separated interchanges, underpasses and roundabouts.

“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,” says Catherine King, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

The project will also cater for the recreational 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, travelling to and from the South West and Wheatbelt regions.

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.

“The extension of Tonkin Highway will be a game-changer for the movement of freight to and from the South West and Wheatbelt, and provide a safer road network for people living in suburbs like Byford, Armadale, Kelmscott and Gosnells who currently contend with large volumes of heavy vehicles on local roads.” says Rita Saffioti, WA Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport.

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.

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, bringing together a wealth of expertise and experience to deliver one of Western Australia’s most significant road infrastructure projects.

 

Send this to a friend