Construction is well underway on the new Redcliffe Bridge, a key part of the Tonkin Gap Project that will slash travel times, address a major traffic bottleneck used by 120,000 vehicles daily and create local jobs.
Two bridge segments have recently been launched across the Swan River, with preparation well underway for the third segment launch.
A total of 17 bridge segments will be constructed on site and incrementally launched across the Swan River from the south-west side of Redcliffe Bridge, with each bridge segment to move up to 18 metres every 2 to 3 weeks.
When complete, the bridges will have six lanes of traffic with four additional lanes for commuters to get to and from Great Eastern Highway. These upgrades are anticipated to save commuters up to six minutes during morning peak and up to 11 minutes in the afternoon.
The construction method, also used on the Mandurah Bridge and the Mount Henry Bridge, will minimise the impact to the Swan River and surrounds.
Widening Tonkin Highway is also on track with the construction of new bridge footings, piers and abutments for four new bridges over Railway Parade and Guildford Road.
Sixty bridge beams, made locally in Georgiou Group's precast facility in Hazelmere, will be installed over the next year - the biggest being 35 metres long and weighing 135 tonnes.
This October, 18 beams will be installed on the eastern Railway Parade Bridge.
When Railway Parade and Guildford Road bridge works are complete, traffic will be shifted onto the new lanes and bridges, improving traffic flow, safety and road geometry.
Work continues on the Great Eastern Highway upgrades with a new loop ramp to be built providing free-flowing access for commuters travelling north on Tonkin Highway.
The project is also delivering enabling works for the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line, with major piling works underway on the southern dive structure.
The project is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments.
Comments attributed to WA Premier Mark McGowan:
"My Government has invested an unprecedented amount into major infrastructure projects that will create local jobs, slash travel times and better connect our suburbs.
"This section of Tonkin Highway carries on average 120,000 vehicles each day, and is a well-known pinch point.
"When complete, this project will slash travel times by up to 11 minutes in the afternoon peak period, meaning less time on the road and more time with family and friends."
Comments attributed to Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher:
"The Morrison Government has committed $232 million to this important project, which is transforming Tonkin Highway to a high-standard, north-south transport link from Muchea to Mundijong.
"Fast-tracking the Tonkin Gap Project has ensured that infrastructure projects are delivered earlier, making it easier for commuters to get home quicker and safer.
"This is another example of the Morrison Government's record $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure investment pipeline in action, helping secure Australia's recovery."
Comments attributed to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The Tonkin Gap Project is a key infrastructure project that will slash travel times, while also delivering a key part of the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line.
"The new and existing bridges combined will accommodate 10 lanes of traffic on top, with a shared cycle and pedestrian path underneath.
"More than 260 workers are currently working on the Tonkin Gap Project, which will see six new bridges constructed over the next two years."
Comments attributed to Federal Member for Swan, Steve Irons MP:
"The Tonkin Highway is part of Perth's Principal Road Freight Network that serves key activity centres including Perth Airport and the Kewdale Freight Terminal.
"The upgrade is expected to fix a major bottleneck on Tonkin Highway, saving road users travel time and improving safety.
"Widening the Redcliffe Bridge is central to fixing this bottleneck. When complete, the existing and new bridge combined will have six through lanes of traffic with four lanes for commuters to get to and from Great Eastern Highway.
"I'm proud to be a part of a Government that is investing billions of dollars in congestion busting infrastructure projects across Western Australia, getting people home safer and sooner."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Transport Minister's office - 6552 5500
