Joint media statement - Improved Tonkin Highway-Hale Road designs unveiled following community feedback

Updated designs of the Tonkin Highway and Hale Road interchange have been unveiled today in direct response to local community feedback.

The new designs directly connect Tonkin Highway northbound and Hale Road via a new road that will be constructed alongside the highway, allowing traffic to merge more efficiently and safely.

When completed, Stage 1 of the Tonkin Highway Grade Separations project will include a half-diamond interchange at Tonkin Highway and Hale Road with north-facing ramps, a diamond interchange at Tonkin Highway and Welshpool Road, and adjacent roads to connect the ramps between Hale Road and Roe Highway.

The scope also includes widening the highway to three lanes and construction of a shared path on the east side of Tonkin Highway, connecting into the existing network.

Urban design elements, including noise walls and underpasses, will also form part of the project's revegetation and landscaping commitment.

Ongoing stakeholder consultation, including with the local community, landowners and environmental groups, has ensured early identification and resolution of issues in the area, particularly at the Tonkin Highway and Hale Road intersection.

The Tonkin Highway Corridor, between Roe Highway and Kelvin Road, is a $366 million project jointly funded by the Morrison Government ($293 million) and Western Australian Government ($73 million), with construction to commence next year.

The updated designs can be viewed at: Tonkin Highway Corridor Animation - YouTube

Comments attributable to Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP:

"Perth's south-east corridor is a fast-growing region with a high volume of freight vehicles using local roads. With forecasted population growth set to increase pressures on the network, the Morrison Government has committed $366 million to the upgrade of this important transport corridor to help ease congestion and improve safety for commuters.

"This project is one of many critical infrastructure projects to receive funding from the Morrison Government as part of its record $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline, which is helping to drive Australia's economic recovery."

Comments attributable to WA Minister for Transport, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA:

"We listened to what the community wanted from this project and have come up with new designs to ensure direct access between Tonkin Highway and Hale Road.

"This $366 million jointly funded project will improve safety, ease congestion on the heavily used route and improve access for road users in the area.

"Tonkin Highway is a key freight corridor and we are working to deliver a number of major improvements, including NorthLink WA which is now complete, the Tonkin Gap Project and the extension from Byford to Mundijong.

"This investment will create 2,500 local jobs and opportunities for businesses and ensures we are building the infrastructure needed for our future."

Comments attributable to Federal Member for Hasluck, the Hon Ken Wyatt MP:

"Community feedback was crucial in the planning stage to ensure we deliver the best outcomes for the people using these roads and living in the area.

"Making our roads safer forms part of our governments' shared vision to keep people safe on our roads and is key to improving commute times and reducing congestion.

Comments attributable to Federal Member for Canning, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP:

"Frequent users of the Tonkin Highway know all too well how its flow of traffic is disrupted at many intersections. This is the first stage in upgrades we are making at three intersections- Hale Road, Welshpool Road and the Roe Highway-that will allow traffic to move and merge more seamlessly.

"Community feedback has been carefully considered to ensure we get the design right for locals, as well as the many commuters who use the Tonkin Highway every day."

Comments attributable to State Member for Forrestfield, Stephen Price MLA:

"It is pleasing to see the updated design has taken on board the strong community feedback I have received.

I welcome the direct connection from Hale Road to Tonkin Highway northbound as a significant improvement to this very important infrastructure upgrade."

WA Transport Minister's office - 6552 5500