The Request for Proposal (RFP) phase has commenced in the procurement process for the first stage of the Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade project in Western Australia.
Shortlisted consortia who will be submitting proposals for the project include:
Stage One of works will extend Tonkin Highway from Thomas Road to Mundijong Road as a four-lane dual carriageway as well as upgrade Thomas Road to South Western Highway including duplication works from Kargotich Road to South Western Highway. A grade separated interchange will also be built at Thomas Road and Tonkin Highway.
These works will ultimately deliver a non-stop transport link between Oakford and Mundijong, enhance access to ports and the south west as well as help grow residential and commercial areas to the south, west and east.
The project will provide significant benefits to local residents and road users by removing heavy traffic from local roads and delivering better connectivity with safe pedestrian and cycling facilities and new equine crossings.
An alliance contract is due to be awarded in late 2024. Meanwhile, Expressions of Interest for Stage Two of the project, which will extend Tonkin Highway from Mundijong Road to South Western Highway, has been released to market.
The more than $1 billion Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, each contributing $749 million and $296 million respectively.
The project is expected to support up to 2,200 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase.
“The extension of Tonkin Highway represents the largest road investment Perth’s south-east corridor has ever seen.
“The project will increase network capacity, improve road freight efficiency and ease traffic congestion on local roads now and into the future.
“It will improve access to growing residential and commercial areas, the airport and the freeway, and better connect people to jobs and education opportunities.
“The project also supports and aligns with our Westport outer harbour plans in Kwinana, and will also provide even better transport options for our southern suburbs alongside the METRONET Byford Train Station,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
The scope of works on the Tonkin Highway Extension include:
On the other hand, Thomas Road Upgrade will include:
The Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade project complements the nearby METRONET Byford Rail Extension, METRONET Thomas Road Over Rail, and Thomas Road Safety Improvements between Kwinana Freeway and South Western Highway.
“The extension of Tonkin Highway to South Western Highway and upgrades to Thomas Road are an incredibly important project to our community.
“The extension and upgrades will assist in removing heavy vehicles from local roads and also facilitate more efficient movement of freight between Perth and the South West.
“Whether it’s the delivery of a train station in Byford or the biggest road investment in the State’s history, our Government will continue to do what is right by our community,” Darling Range MLA Hugh Jones said.
Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Main Roads Western Australia (1, 2)