AUSTRALIA — The long-awaited Tonkin Gap project has officially reached completion, bringing significant improvements to Perth’s transportation infrastructure.
The project, which began construction in 2020, has successfully addressed a notorious bottleneck on Tonkin Highway and enhanced connectivity for commuters, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Despite facing challenges such as working under live traffic conditions and minimising impact on the Swan River ecosystem, the project was delivered on time.
In December 2023, additional lanes were opened, alleviating congestion and allowing the speed limit to be reinstated to 100 kilometres per hour.
A key feature of the project is the 3.1 kilometres of new and upgraded Principal Shared Path (PSP) along Tonkin Highway.
This addition provides cyclists and pedestrians with a continuous path between Wattle Grove and Morley.
Furthermore, with the reopening of the PSP between Premier Place and Marshall Road in Ballajura, users can now travel uninterrupted from Mandurah to Muchea on the upgraded PSP networks.
The project also included new interchanges at Great Eastern Highway and Guildford Road, as well as new bridges over the Swan River, Dunstone Road, Railway Parade, and Guildford Road.
A popular addition to the local community is the new BMX and mountain bike skills area under the Mooro-Beeloo Bridge.
Rail-enabling works for the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line are nearing completion, with Tonkin Highway between Reid Highway and Collier Road now reinstated to 100 km/h in both directions.
The final section between Hepburn Avenue and Reid Highway is expected to return to 100 km/h next month, following the completion of Malaga footbridge works.
The project has had a significant economic impact, involving over 250 sub-contractors and creating more than 3,000 jobs.
The Tonkin Gap Alliance, comprising BMD, Georgiou Group, WA Limestone, BG&E, and GHD, collaborated with Main Roads and Public Transport Authority to deliver this crucial infrastructure project.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King praised the project as “a fabulous example of what can be achieved when the Australian and state governments work together”.
Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti highlighted the project’s importance in supporting more efficient transport solutions and improving safety.
The completion of the Tonkin Gap project marks a significant milestone in Perth’s infrastructure development, promising improved travel times, enhanced safety, and better connectivity for commuters, cyclists, and pedestrians across the city.
