The removal of traffic signals at Hale Road and Welshpool Road along Tonkin Highway is one step closer today, with expressions of interest now open to contractors.
The upgrades will include two new traffic interchanges and expand the highway to a six-lane dual carriageway from Roe Highway to north of Kelvin Road.
As a key transport route connecting the city’s ports and industrial hubs, this section of Tonkin Highway sees over 50,000 vehicles daily, 13 per cent of which are heavy vehicles.
With increasing travel demand, the state government says congestion is worsening, and it’s projected to have the fifth-highest ‘delay cost’ among major WA roads by 2031.
Deputy Premier and WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the interchange upgrades are part of a broader Tonkin Highway transformation program designed to support long-term transport and infrastructure planning along Perth’s eastern road corridor.
“This stretch of Tonkin Highway is a notorious bottleneck, particularly the intersection with Welshpool Road which regularly rates as one of the worst for congestion,” she said.
“This project will complement the Tonkin Gap Project, which recently reached completion and is providing commuters with faster travel times and a safer journey.
The upgrades are expected to cost $366 million, funded by the federal government, which contributed $293 million, and the state government, which provided $73 million.
Federal Member for Burt Matt Keogh said he can’t wait for work to begin and believes the upgrades will improve traffic flow and make roads safer.
“The congestion on Tonkin Highway has been increasing for years; these upgrades will make a massive difference for our growing community,” Mr Keogh said.
“I’ve been advocating for years on behalf of our community to make Tonkin Highway faster and safer, and I’m glad the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments are working together on this important project for Perth’s South Eastern suburbs.”
Recently announced as the WA Liberal candidate for the seat of Burt, Sean Ayres also welcomed the recent progress of the project.
“It’s great to see Federal Labor belatedly embracing this critical project funded by the former Liberal Government,” he said.
“Perth’s southeast is expanding rapidly, and the Tonkin Highway upgrades will help ease congestion while making our roads safer.”
Upgrades to the Tonkin Highway Corridor between Roe Highway and Kelvin Road have been split into two contracts. Construction for Contract 1, covering the section from Hale Road to Welshpool Road, is set to commence in late 2025.
Meanwhile, development work is underway for Contract 2, which includes the interchange at Kelvin Road.
A design and construction contract for the upgrades from Hale Road to Welshpool Road is expected to be awarded in mid-2025.
