WA’s Tonkin Gap officially complete

BMD, Georgiou, Tonkin Gap, Tonkin Highway,

August 5, 2024

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The Tonkin Gap project, designed and delivered by an Alliance comprising of BMD, Georgiou Group, WA Limestone, BG&E and GHD is officially complete.

The Tonkin Gap project is officially complete, and is now benefitting thousands of commuters, path users and the local community with significant improvements to journey times and amenities.

Construction started in 2020, and the project was delivered on time despite several project challenges including completing works under live traffic conditions, removal and replacement of the Broun Avenue Bridge and duplication of the Redcliffe Bridge (now Mooro-Beeloo) with minimal impact to the Swan River ecosystems.

Last December the notorious bottleneck on Tonkin Highway was alleviated with additional lanes opened and the speed limit subsequently reinstated to 100 kilometres per hour.

Cyclists and pedestrians can enjoy the continuous path between Wattle Grove and Morley on 3.1 kilometres of new and upgraded Principal Shared Path (PSP) along Tonkin Highway.

With the PSP between Premier Place and Marshall Road in Ballajura reopened, bike riders and pedestrians are now able to travel uninterrupted from Mandurah to Muchea on the upgraded PSP networks.

Other improvements include new interchanges at Great Eastern Highway and Guildford Road, and new bridges over the Swan River, Dunstone Road, Railway Parade and Guildford Road.

The new BMX and mountain bike skills area under the Mooro-Beeloo Bridge has also become a popular recreation area in the local community. 

Rail-enabling works for METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line are nearing completion, with Tonkin Highway in both directions between Reid Highway and Collier Road reinstated to 100kmh.

The final section of Tonkin Highway between Hepburn Avenue and Reid Highway will be reinstated to 100kmh in both directions once Malaga footbridge works are complete, expected later next month.

The project’s supply chain involved over 250 sub-contractors delivering packages of work with a focus on local spend and supply, creating more than 3,000 jobs.

The Tonkin Gap Alliance, comprising of BMD, Georgiou Group, WA Limestone, BG&E and GHD, worked with Main Roads and Public Transport Authority to design and deliver this great WA project.

About Tonkin Gap Project

The Tonkin Gap Project is one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in Western Australia, aimed at improving the Tonkin Highway corridor between Collier Road and Dunreath Drive.

Project Objectives and Scope

The Tonkin Gap Project is designed to address several critical issues faced by the existing infrastructure. The primary objectives of the project are:

1. Reducing Congestion: The Tonkin Highway is a major arterial road in Perth, experiencing heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. The project aims to alleviate congestion by widening the highway and introducing additional lanes in each direction.
2. Improving Safety: Safety is a major concern along this stretch of the highway, with numerous accidents reported annually. The project will include upgrading intersections and improving entry and exit ramps to enhance overall road safety.
3. Enhancing Connectivity: The project will significantly improve connectivity for the road freight industry, reducing travel times and improving efficiency. This is crucial for businesses relying on the highway for the transportation of goods.
4. Supporting Public Transport: A key aspect of the project is the construction of a new principal shared path (PSP) for pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging alternative modes of transport and reducing vehicular dependency.

Key Components of the Project

The Tonkin Gap Project encompasses several major components designed to achieve its objectives:

1. Widening the Highway: The project involves widening the Tonkin Highway to include additional lanes between Collier Road and Dunreath Drive. This includes adding two new lanes in each direction, creating a total of four lanes per direction, significantly increasing the road’s capacity.
2. Upgrading Intersections: Intersections along the Tonkin Highway will be upgraded to improve traffic flow and safety. This includes improvements at Collier Road, Morley Drive, and Guildford Road intersections, which are currently major bottlenecks during peak times.
3. Principal Shared Path (PSP): A new PSP will be constructed alongside the Tonkin Highway, providing a continuous route for pedestrians and cyclists. This path will enhance safety and connectivity for non-motorized road users and encourage the use of sustainable transport options.
4. Noise Walls and Landscaping: To mitigate the impact of increased traffic on local communities, the project includes the installation of noise walls and extensive landscaping. These measures aim to reduce noise pollution and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area.

Project Timeline

Source: Main Roads Western Australia

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