Joint Media Statement - Request for proposal issued for Package 2 Of Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade

Shortlisted contractors can now submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Package 2 of the Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade, achieving another major milestone for the project.

The extension of Tonkin Highway will provide a non-stop transport link between Oakford and Mundijong, reducing traffic pressure on local roads, and provide better connections for car drivers and heavy vehicles.

Procurement has been split into two contract packages that will be delivered at the same time. Package 2 incorporates the Tonkin Highway extension from Mundijong Road to South Western Highway.

The shortlisted consortia comprise of the following companies:

• Tonkin Connect Alliance comprising: CPB Contractors, WA Limestone, Carey, Aurecon and Jacobs;
• Tonkin Extension Alliance comprising: BMD, Georgiou, Civcon, GHD and BG&E; and
• Tonkin South Alliance comprising: Acciona, NRW, AECOM and Arup.

An Alliance Contract for Package 2 is expected to be awarded by late 2024. The RFP process asks shortlisted contractors to submit detailed proposals on how they will design and construct the project, including pricing and key milestone dates.

Package 1 of the Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade Project closed late June 2024 and is being evaluated to allow for award of the alliance contract later this year.

Construction of the Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade will start in mid-2025.

The project will support around 4,400 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase.

Over $1 billion is allocated to deliver the project, with the Australian and Western Australian Governments committing $749 million and $296 million respectively.

Quotes attributable to Acting Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Murray Watt:

"The Albanese Government has invested $749 million into this important project, which will improve travel times and connectivity in Perth's south-west corridor.

"We have supported the transformation of Tonkin Highway for many years now; it is exciting to see this next stage underway, extending Tonkin Highway 14 kilometres south.

"As a result, local residents will enjoy safer and quieter communities by attracting heavy traffic away from local roads.

"They will also be better connected with safe pedestrian and cycling facilities, and new horse crossings."

Quotes attributed to Acting Western Australian Transport Minister Sue Ellery:

"The extension of Tonkin Highway represents the largest investment Perth's south-east road corridor has ever seen.

"The project will increase network capacity to ease traffic congestion on local roads now and in the future.

"It complements the nearby METRONET Byford Rail Extension which is currently under construction, the recently completed METRONET Thomas Road Over Rail, the Thomas Road Safety Improvements between Kwinana Freeway and South Western Highway and aligns with our Westport outer harbour plans in Kwinana.

"These improvements will provide communities in our south with greater access to our transport network."

Quotes attributable to Senator for Western Australia Louise Pratt:

"This vital project will significantly reduce freight traffic along South Western Highway through Byford.

"Commuters and freight will gain up to five minutes on a trip from Oakford to Mundijong through the provision of an efficient alternative freight route.

"Critically, the project will provide a non-stop journey eliminating up to four sets of traffic lights between Oakford and Mundijong."

Quotes attributable to State Member for Darling Range Hugh Jones:

"The Tonkin Highway Extension project will relieve pressure on local roads around Byford, Cardup, Mundijong and Oakford, increasing safety and easing traffic pressure and travel times for the local community.

"I am proud that we are delivering the infrastructure our community needs to thrive, and I look forward to seeing our fast-growing suburbs better connected to jobs and education opportunities, and our local roads become safer places for our local families."

9 JULY 2024