A major new road infrastructure project, which will create an estimated 4,400 jobs for Western Australians, is now underway.
The more than $1 billion Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade is one of the biggest road transport infrastructure investments ever delivered in Perth’s south-east corridor.
The project will deliver a 14-kilometre extension of Tonkin Highway from Thomas Road to South Western Highway and duplicate 4.5 kilometres of Thomas Road.
WA Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti said the project will significantly improve road safety, reduce congestion and strengthen freight efficiency for one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.
“This is a once-in-a-generation project that will transform Perth’s south-east, improve safety, and create thousands of critical jobs for Western Australians,” said Ms Saffioti.
“This project forms part of our Government’s strong pipeline of infrastructure investment to grow our economy, create jobs for Western Australians and improve the lives of people across our communities.
“Extending Tonkin Highway will be critical to getting the larger, heavy freight off local roads, making them safer for locals but also improving the efficiency of supply chains and the movement of goods around our State.
“Together with the METRONET Byford Rail Extension, this project will ensure Perth’s south-east corridor has the right mix of road, rail, cycling and equestrian infrastructure to support its growth into the future.”
Once completed in late 2028, the project will:
- Provide safer and more efficient journeys for more than 60,000 vehicles expected to use the corridor daily;
- Remove thousands of heavy vehicles off local roads, reducing pressure on communities in Byford, Armadale, Kelmscott and Gosnells;
- Deliver new grade-separated interchanges, underpasses and roundabouts to improve traffic flow and safety;
- Introduce new shared paths for cyclists and pedestrians along the entire extension, and equine crossings designed in consultation with local users;
- Complement the METRONET Byford Rail Extension, due to open on October 13 2025, ensuring balanced transport choices for the region.
The Minister said the project will provide a significant injection to the local economy, delivering thousands of direct and indirect jobs, while also creating opportunities for local suppliers, contractors and First Nations businesses.
With early works including site establishment and traffic realignments underway, the transition into major construction with large-scale earthworks, bridge structures and interchange building is set to ramp up over the coming months.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments.
“The Albanese Government is proud to be investing $749 million in this transformative project,” said Acting Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Julie Collins.
“It will not only deliver safer, faster and more efficient connections, but also create thousands of jobs and strong opportunities for local businesses.”
Further information on the project can be found at the Main Roads website.
