The Tonkin Extension Alliance consortium has been awarded a contract to deliver the $1 billion Tonkin Highway extension and Thomas Road upgrade project.
This announcement follows on from news last March that the consortium – consisting of BMD, Civcon Civil and Project Management, Georgiou Group, BG&E and GHD – had been shortlisted by the state government.
Stage one of the project, due to begin in the middle of the year and is tipped to be completed by the end of 2028, will involve the Tonkin Highway being extended by 14 kilometres.
As part of this, a four-lane dual carriageway will be built and run from Thomas Road to the South Western Highway. A number of roundabouts, underpasses and interchanges will also feature.
The Thomas Road upgrades will include intersection improvements, a new principal shared path and duplication works between Kargotich Road and the South Western Highway.
It is tipped the project, a joint initiative between the federal and state governments, will support around 4,400 direct or in-direct jobs.
"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,” transport minister Rita Saffioti said.
The federal government is paying $749 million towards the road project, with the state tipping in $296 million.
Federal Infrastructure minister Catherine King said the project would ease the strain on Perth's critical south-eastern corridor.
"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."
