Contract awarded to deliver next stage of Tonkin Hwy Corridor upgrade

Another important milestone has been reached on the transformation of Tonkin Highway, with the contract to deliver major upgrades between Roe Highway and south of Welshpool Road in Western Australia.

NRW Contracting Pty Ltd – a wholly owned subsidiary of NRW Holdings Limited – has been awarded the $200 million contract for the Tonkin Highway Grade Separation between Hale Road and Welshpool Road East.

NRW will commence design and procurement activities following contract execution.

“We are pleased to have been awarded the Tonkin Highway Grade Separations, Hale Road and Welshpool Road East project by Main Roads Western Australia. This contract reflects NRW’s strong track record in delivery of complex, large-scale civil infrastructure projects across Western Australia and our established relationship with Main Roads.

“The Tonkin Highway corridor is a critical piece of transport infrastructure for Perth, and this project will deliver significant safety and congestion-relief benefits for road users, cyclists and the surrounding community.

“Securing this project further underpins NRW’s civil construction work-in-hand and provides continuity of work for our people and supply partners. We look forward to working collaboratively with Main Roads Western Australia and key stakeholders to deliver high-quality outcomes, while maintaining our focus on safety, sustainability and operational excellence,” NRW Holdings CEO Jules Pemberton said.

This project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, and it forms part of the broader Tonkin Highway Corridor upgrades from Roe Highway to Kelvin Road.

Scope of works under this contract include:

• Reconstruction and widening of Tonkin Highway to provide three lanes in each direction
• A diamond interchange at Welshpool Road East
• A Principal Shared Path (PSP) on the eastern side of Tonkin Highway including underpasses
• A U-turn facility on Welshpool Road East
• Lighting for the roads and shared paths
• Foundation Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)
• Noise mitigation treatments
• Service relocations including Western Power services
• Modifications to local government roads and intersections
• Accommodation works
• Design of the Optional Works

This project will be delivered in stages, with the Welshpool Road East interchange the first to be construction to support local connectivity.

“Our government is committed to improving the road network for people to live, work, and travel within Western Australia.

“As well as reducing congestion, the project will improve safety, efficiency and reliability across this crucial transport link.

“By investing in the Tonkin Highway Corridor, we are not just improving infrastructure, but also laying the foundation for future prosperity, ensuring Western Australians enjoy safer, more efficient travel for years to come,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said.

“The Tonkin Highway is an incredibly important road for our community.

“These upgrades are just one example of how the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments continue to invest in making the road network safer for everyone in the community.

“We are working together on this important project for Perth’s south-eastern suburbs,” Federal Member for Bullwinkel Trish Cook said.

Major construction on the project is due to begin in the 4^th quarter of this year once Western Power relocation works are completed.

This Tonkin Highway upgrade is anticipated to support about 600 jobs annually during the construction phase.

The State Government is also funding development work that is ongoing for a new interchange at Kelvin Road, which will be delivered as a future stage of the Tonkin Highway Corridor upgrade.

This corridor upgrade is part of a wider transformation of the critical transport link, with works currently underway on the Tonkin Highway Extension and Thomas Road Upgrade, and the Tonkin Highway Gap project that was completed in 2024.

“The Cook Labor Government is delivering record investments in our State’s road network to keep Western Australia moving safely and efficiently.

“Tonkin Highway is a crucial transport link that helps drive our State’s economy and connects communities across our south-eastern suburbs.

“These upgrades will help traffic flow more smoothly through this corridor, improving safety for all road users and reducing travel times for locals.

“It’s part of our long-term transformation of Tonkin Highway, which once complete, will improve safety and efficiency from Muchea to Mundijong,” WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.

“The Cook Labor Government is committed to delivering quality infrastructure that will make a big difference to my community and those across the south-eastern suburbs.

“These upgrades will improve safety and reduce congestion along this busy freight route, so locals spend less time in traffic and more time with their families.

“This project will also deliver new walking and cycling infrastructure to help our community stay active and connected,” Forrestfield MLA Stephen Price said.

Source: Minsiter for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; NRW Holdings; Main Roads Western Australia