Work Begins on $1bn South-West Perth Road Project

Work has begun on a “once-in-a-generation” road infrastructure project that aims to improve access to one of the fastest-growing regions in Western Australia. 

The $1-billion Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade is to deliver a 14km extension from Thomas Road to the South-Western Highway and duplicate 4.5km of Thomas Road. 

A consortium of BMD, Civcon Civil and Project Management, Georgiou Group, BG&E and GHD was appointed to the “gamechanger” project this year. 

Early works including site establishment and traffic realignment are under way, and major construction works have also begun on large-scale earthworks, bridge structures and an interchange building. 

The WA Government said the project would reduce congestion and strengthen freight efficiency in the south-west corridor of Perth. 

Due to complete in 2028, the highway is expected to service 60,000 vehicles daily. 

The Tonkin Highway Corridor provides passenger and freight access to major industrial and commercial areas, including Perth Airport, a primary intermodal facility at Kewdale, and strategic industrial areas.

▲ Map of the Tonkin Highway expansion project.

It will also remove heavy vehicles from local roads in suburbs such as Armadale and Gosnells, and includes grade-separated interchanges and underpasses to improve traffic flow.

The project, which was expected to cost $505 million in 2021, is being funded by the Australian and WA governments. The Commonwealth is tipping in $749 million to the project.