Joint Media Statement - Tonkin Gap 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.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

"The Australian Government is working in partnership to deliver critical road infrastructure projects such as the Tonkin Gap, which is now increasing safety and easing traffic congestion.

"This is a fabulous example of what can be achieved when the Australian and state governments work together."

Quotes attributable to Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Tonkin Gap is one of the most important road infrastructure projects being undertaken in the Perth metropolitan area and to see it delivering benefits to the community is fantastic.

"Completing this project highlights our commitment to supporting more efficient transport solutions for people travelling through Perth and improving safety, by eliminating the interface between pedestrians, cyclists and cars.

"This has been a challenging program to deliver, so I'm really pleased that it's been completed on-time and is able to improve travel times for commuters and better connect cyclists and pedestrians across the city."

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Perth Patrick Gorman:

"This vital project has removed a longstanding bottleneck where the Tonkin Highway merged from three lanes to two.

"This upgrade is expected to shave up to six minutes off travel times during the morning peak and up to 11 minutes of travel time during afternoon peak."

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Swan Zaneta Mascarenhas:

"The Tonkin Gap project shows that both the Australian and WA Governments are seriously committed to improving transport for drivers around Perth.

"This investment is all about making roads safer, separating pedestrians and cyclists from cars, and giving commuters in this booming area the infrastructure they need."

Quotes attributable to State Member for Maylands Lisa Baker:

"We've achieved so much with this amazing project - reducing congestion, improving safety and improving connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.

"The completion of this project will no doubt be welcome news for regular commuters and the wider community."

Quotes attributable to the State Member for Belmont Cassie Rowe:

"I'm so pleased to see this project complete. The Broun Avenue bridge is a vital link for local motorists and commuters, allowing passengers on and off buses when they ride to the future METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line, which is powering ahead.

"The shared path upgrades are part of our vision to make WA a place where riding is a safe, connected, convenient and a widely accepted form of transport."

30 JULY 2024