PRODUCED BY INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERSHIPS AUSTRALIA
Project

Tonkin Highway Corridor Upgrades

PROJECT STATUS
Announced
Tonkin Highway Corridor Upgrades

The WA Government is undertaking improvements to the Tonkin Highway corridor. The Tonkin Highway is a 44-kilometre north-south highway and partial freeway in Perth, Western Australia, linking Perth Airport with the city's north-eastern and south-eastern suburbs. 

Tonkin Highway improvements include:

  • Tonkin Highway Extension Stage Three - extending the Tonkin Highway from Thomas Road in Oakford to the South Western Highway south-east of Mundijong, including grade separations at Thomas, Orton and Mundijong Roads and South Western Highway and a grade separated interchange at Bishop Road
  • Tonkin Highway Gap - widening, reconfiguring and implementing managed motorway technologies to resolve the current gap in service levels
  • Tonkin Highway Grade Separations - Hale, Welshpool and Kelvin interchanges - constructing grade separations at these high priority intersections, and
  • North Ellenbrook Interchange. 
     

Key Dates

May 2018 Project Announcement
Jan 2021 Construction Commencement

Funding contributions

Federal Government
WA Government

The Federal Funding Agreement Schedule on the Land Transport Infrastructure Projects (2024-2029) includes an additional $25 million under 'Other funding'.

PROJECT HISTORY

May 2019 The program was allocated funding as part of a $1.2 billion funding package announced in the 2019-20 WA Budget.
Mar 2022 The 2022-23 Federal Budget allocated an additional $250 million to the Tonkin Highway Improvement project including $200 million for the Tonkin Highway Extension - Stage Three and $50 million for the North Ellenbrook Interchange.
Jul 2023 The 2023-24 WA Budget allocated $1.8 billion to the Tonkin Highway Corridor Upgrades.
Sep 2024 The Federal Funding Agreement Schedule on the Land Transport Infrastructure Projects (2024-2029) includes an updated cost and funding allocation for the project. The total cost is $1.841 billion, with the Federal Government contributing $1.344 billion, the WA Government $472 million, and $25 million in other funding.
Estimated Total Cost
(2024)
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Unconfirmed |
Location
Western Australia | National |
Resources
Media releases
2019/04/14
2019/05/09
2018/04/27
2022/03/28
Major Contract

Tonkin Highway Extension - Stage Three

PROJECT STATUS
Under Procurement
Tonkin Highway Extension - Stage Three

The Government of Western Australia is undertaking improvements to the Tonkin Highway corridor. The Tonkin Highway is a 44-kilometre north-south highway and partial freeway in Perth, Western Australia, linking Perth Airport with the city's north-eastern and south-eastern suburbs. 

The Stage Three Extension project will extend the Tonkin Highway from Thomas Road, Oakford to the South Western Highway, south east of Mundjiong. The project will include:

  • 16.5 kilometres of four lane dual carriageway
  • an upgraded intersection at Thomas Road/Tonkin Highway
  • new intersections at Orton Road, Mundijong Road and South Western Highway
  • a new grade separated interchange at Bishop Road
  • bridges over the existing freight rail line and Perth to Bunbury passenger rail line and Wright Road
  • a shared use path along the eastern side of the Tonkin Highway corridor, connecting to local path networks
  • an equestrian and pedestrian / cyclist underpass under Tonkin Highway at Abernethy Road, and
  • associated service roads and modifications to local government roads and intersections.

The project is being delivered through two separate works packages, with Package One extending the Highway approximately 10 kilometres from its existing termination at Thomas Road to Sparkman Road, and delivering the five-kilometre Thomas Road duplication. Package Two delivering the remaining five-kilometre extension from Sparkman Road to the South Western Highway. 

Key Dates

Mar 2021 EOIs Open
Apr 2021 EOIs Close
Nov 2023 EOIs Open - Package One
Dec 2023 EOIs Close - Package One
Mar 2024 EOIs Open - Package Two
Apr 2024 EOIs Close - Package Two
2024 Expected Contract Award - Package One
2024 Expected Contract Award - Package Two
2025 Expected Construction Commencement
2027 Expected Construction Completion

Funding contributions

Federal Government
WA Government

Total funding for the project includes Federal and WA Government funding for the $755 million Tonkin Highway Extension Stage Three and the $290 million Thomas Road Upgrade project, which are being procured together.

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Main Roads Western Australia
Shortlist: Package One: Tonkin Extend Alliance (Laing O'Rourke, Garli, WSP and Arcadis) Tonkin Extension Alliance (Georgiou, BMD, Civcon, GHD and BG&E) Package Two: Tonkin Connect Alliance (CPB Contractors, WA Limestone, Carey, Aurecon and Jacobs); Tonkin Extension Alliance (BMD, Georgiou, Civcon, GHD and BG&E); and Tonkin South Alliance (ACCIONA, NRW, AECOM and Arup).
Procurement note:

The Tonkin Highway Extension Stage Three and the Thomas Road Upgrade project are being jointly delivered over two packages, with both packages to be delivered using Alliance contracts.

PROJECT HISTORY

May 2019 The project was allocated funding as part of a $1.2 billion funding package announced in the 2019-20 WA Budget.
Jan 2021 Main Roads Western Australia hosted an industry workshop to seek feedback from contractors for the delivery of the Tonkin Highway Expansion project. Feedback from the workshop will inform the delivery and contract type.
Mar 2021 Main Roads Western Australia opened Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the project, closing on 20 April. The department also announced that the project will be delivered as an Alliance contract.
Mar 2022 The 2022-23 Federal Budget allocated an additional $200 million to Stage Three of Tonkin Highway Extension.
May 2022 The 2022-23 WA Budget allocated an additional $250 million toward the Tonkin Highway Grade Separations at Hale, Welshpool and Kelvin Roads and Stage Three Extension projects.
Nov 2023 EOIs were opened an alliance contract to deliver Package One of the project, closing 14 December.
Mar 2024 The WA Government shortlisted three consortia for Package One of the project, and commenced a Request for Proposals phase. The Government announced it expected to award the contract in late 2024 and commenced an Expression of Interest phase for Package Two of the project.
Jul 2024 The WA Government shortlisted three consortia for Package Two of the project, and commenced a Request for Proposals phase. The Government announced it expected to award the contract in late 2024 and construction to commence in mid 2025.
Estimated Total Cost
(2024)
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Alliance |
Location
Western Australia | National |
Resources
Media releases
2019/04/14
21/01/2021
2022/03/28
2023/11/27
2024/03/22 - RFP opens for Package One
2024/07/10 - RFP opens for Package Two
Project pages
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
Main Roads Western Australia
Major Contract

Tonkin Highway Gap

PROJECT STATUS
Operational
Tonkin Highway Gap

The WA Government is undertaking improvements to the Tonkin Highway corridor. The Tonkin Highway is a 44-kilometre north-south highway and partial freeway in Perth, Western Australia, linking Perth Airport with the city's north-eastern and south-eastern suburbs. 

The Tonkin Highway Gap project will involve upgrading the section of the Tonkin Highway between Collier Road and the Great Eastern Highway. It is expected that this will resolve a 'gap' in service levels and infrastructure between Gateway WA and Northlink WA.

The upgrades include:

  • additional traffic lanes in each direction between Collier Road and Dunreath Drive
  • new bridges over the Swan River, Guildford Road, Railway Parade, the Midland Line railway and Dunstone Road
  • upgrades to the Guildford Road and Great Eastern Highway interchanges
  • a new shared pedestrian and cycle path with bridges, underpasses and local connections, and
  • noise walls, lighting and amenity improvements. 

Key Dates

Aug 2019 EOIs Open
Sep 2019 EOIs Close
Jun 2020 Contract Award
Jan 2021 Construction Commencement
Jul 2024 Construction Completion

Funding contributions

Federal Government
WA Government
WA Government

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Main Roads Western Australia
Successful Tenderer: The Tonkin Gap Alliance comprising BMD, Georgiou, WA Limestone, BG&E and GHD

PROJECT HISTORY

May 2019 The project was allocated funding as part of a $1.2 billion funding package announced in the 2019-20 WA Budget.
May 2020 The project's preferred proponent, the Tonkin Gap Alliance was announced.
Nov 2020 The project's early works commenced.
May 2023 The 2023-24 WA Budget allocated an additional $161 million to the project.
Dec 2023 Mainroads WA indicated construction on the project would not be completed in 2023 as planned, with works expected to continue to mid-2024.
Jul 2024 The WA Government announced the completion of the project.
Estimated Total Cost
(2023)
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Alliance |
Location
Western Australia | National |
Resources
Media releases
2019/04/14
2020/05/12
2020/06/21
2020/06/21
2024/07/30 - Construction completion.
Other
Construction update - December 2023
Project pages
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications
Main Roads Western Australia
Major Contract

Tonkin Highway Grade Separations - Kelvin Road

PROJECT STATUS
Announced
Tonkin Highway Grade Separations - Kelvin Road

The Tonkin Highway is a 44-kilometre north-south highway and partial freeway in Perth, Western Australia, linking Perth Airport with the city's north-eastern and south-eastern suburbs. 

The WA Government has been progressively undertaking improvements to the  Highway's corridor across four projects.

  • Tonkin Highway Gap
  • Tonkin Highway Extension Stage Three
  • Tonkin Highway Grade Separations, and
  • North Ellenbrook Interchange.

The Grade Separations project will see Tonkin Highway widened from four to six lanes and grade separations delivered at Hale Road, Welshpool Road and Kelvin Road.This project is to be delivered using two Design and Construct contracts.

  • Hale Road and Welshpool Road, and
  • Kelvin Road.

The Hale Road to Welshpool Road contract will see interchanges delivered at Hale Road and Welshpool Road East and widening of the Tonkin Highway. 

Funding contributions

Federal Government
WA Government

The Federal and WA Government have provided joint funding for both grade separation contracts. The total funding for each contract has not been publicised. These funding contributions represent the total value of both contracts. 

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Main Roads Western Australia

PROJECT HISTORY

May 2019 The project was allocated funding as part of a $1.2 billion funding package announced in the 2019-20 WA Budget.
Sep 2021 Following a review of its Asset Investment Program, the WA Government announced a delay to the project's completion. The Kelvin Road separation has been deferred by two years and completion is now expected in 2026.
May 2022 The 2022-23 WA Budget allocated an additional $250 million toward the Tonkin Highway Grade Separations at Hale, Welshpool and Kelvin Roads and Stage Three Extension projects.
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Unconfirmed |
Location
Western Australia |
Resources
Media releases
2019/04/14 - Funding allocation
2021/09/09 - Review of Asset Investment Program
Project pages
Main Roads WA
Major Contract

Tonkin Highway Improvements - North Ellenbrook Interchange

PROJECT STATUS
Announced
Tonkin Highway Improvements - North Ellenbrook Interchange

The Government of Western Australia is delivering a new interchange on Tonkin Highway, north of Ellenbrook. The interchange will be located between Warbrook and Maralla roads, and will provide for urban development for approximately 10,000 homes.

Key Dates

May 2022 Project Announcement

Funding contributions

Federal Government
WA Government

Financing

The Government of Western Australia has signalled the project will receive $25 million in private investment, however no further details have been publicly announced.
Estimated Total Cost
(2022)
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Alliance |
Location
Western Australia |
Resources
Government resources
Main Roads WA - Infrastructure Delivery Plan
Media releases
2022/05/08
Major Contract

Tonkin Highway Grade Separations - Hale and Welshpool Roads

PROJECT STATUS
Under Procurement
Tonkin Highway Grade Separations - Hale and Welshpool Roads

The Tonkin Highway is a 44-kilometre north-south highway and partial freeway in Perth, Western Australia, linking Perth Airport with the city's north-eastern and south-eastern suburbs. 

The WA Government has been progressively undertaking improvements to the  Highway's corridor across four projects.

  • Tonkin Highway Gap
  • Tonkin Highway Extension Stage Three
  • Tonkin Highway Grade Separations, and
  • North Ellenbrook Interchange.

The Grade Separations project will see Tonkin Highway widened from four to six lanes and grade separations delivered at Hale Road, Welshpool Road and Kelvin Road.This project is to be delivered using two Design and Construct contracts.

  • Hale Road and Welshpool Road, and
  • Kelvin Road.

The Kelvin Road contract will see an interchange delivered at Kelvin Road and the balance of Tonkin Highway widening.  

 

Key Dates

Oct 2024 EOIs Open
Nov 2024 EOIs Close
Jan 2025 RFP Open
Apr 2025 RFP Close
Jun 2025 Expected Contract Award
Aug 2025 Expected Contract Award
2025 Expected Construction Commencement

Funding contributions

Federal Government
WA Government

The Federal and WA Government have provided joint funding for both grade separation contracts. The total funding for each contract has not been publicised. These funding contributions represent the total value of both contracts. 

Procurement

Procuring Agency: Main Roads Western Australia

PROJECT HISTORY

May 2019 The project was allocated funding as part of a $1.2 billion funding package announced in the 2019-20 WA Budget.
Mar 2021 The project was submitted to the Western Australia EPA for referral.
May 2021 The Western Australian EPA announced the project would be subject to environmental assessment.
Aug 2021 The Government of Western Australia released new designs for Tonkin Highway and Hale Road interchange following community consultation. The new designs directly connect Tonkin Highway northbound and Hale Road via a new road that will be constructed alongside the highway.
Sep 2021 Following a review of its Asset Investment Program, the WA Government announced a delay to the project's completion. The Welshpool Road and Hale Road projects have been deferred by one year, and completion is expected in mid-2025.
May 2022 The 2022-23 WA Budget allocated an additional $250 million toward the Tonkin Highway Grade Separations at Hale, Welshpool and Kelvin Roads and Stage Three Extension projects.
Sep 2022 Mainroads WA announced early works had commenced on the project.
Oct 2022 Public consultation commenced on the Western Australian EPA portal, closing 13 November.
Aug 2024 The Western Australian EPA published an assessment report on the project.
Oct 2024 The Government of Western Australia commenced procurement for the project, issuing an Expression of Interest for a Design and Construct contract for the interchanges at Hale Road and Welshpool Road.
Sector
Road
Procurement approach
Traditional Procurement |
Location
Western Australia | National |
Resources
Government resources
Western Australian EPA Portal
Media releases
2019/04/14 - Funding allocation
2021/08/27 - Designs
2021/09/09 - Review of Asset Investment Program
2024/10/14 - EOIs
2022/09/01 - Project Update
Project pages
Main Roads Western Australia
  • |
  • ©Infrastructure Partnerships Australia 2025