New milestones reached on Tonkin Gap Project in Perth WA

Two new milestones have been reached this month on the Tonkin Gap project in Perth, bringing the project a step closer to providing a better transport network to all road users. 

Finishing works are now being delivered on the newly built Broun Avenue Bridge, and the new section of the bridge is expected to open to traffic this week. 

Switching traffic on to the new section will enable works to continue on a new bus interchange that will serve as a key node that will connect people to the new Morley Train Station currently being built under the Broun Avenue Bridge. 

The new Broun Avenue Bridge will be more than 60 metres wide, becoming one of the widest road and bus interchange bridges in Perth that can accommodate 12 bus stands. 

In addition to the opening of the new section of the bridge, more works are also going to be carried out on the shared path network in the area along with upgrades to the Doyle/Broun and Embleton/Broun intersections. 

Finishing works on the new bridge includes building a 300-metre principal shared path under the Redcliffe Bridge that provides a connection for pedestrians and cyclists from Bayswater on the northern side to Ascot on the southern side. The shared path will also improve safety by removing the interface between path users and vehicles. 

“The progress being made on the Tonkin Gap Project demonstrates our Government’s commitments to supporting more efficient transport solutions for motorists travelling through Perth and improving safety, by eliminating the interface between pedestrians and cyclists and motor vehicles. 

“It’s an exciting next step as we continue to build the infrastructure that commuters in this fast-growing area deserve. 

“This project will drive a real short-term employment and economic boost while delivering essential infrastructure that will continue to be beneficial well into the future,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Redcliffe Bridge works in 2021 (source: Main Roads WA)

The overall concept for the Tonkin Gap Project includes: 

• Widening Tonkin Highway to provide new lanes in each direction from Dunreath Drive to Collier Road, as well as new roads linking Guildford Road and Great Eastern Highway 
• New bridges over the Swan River, Dunstone Road, Guildford Road, Railway Parade 
• New fully grade-separated Principal Shared Path (PSP) on the western side of Tonkin Highway from north of Guildford ROad interchange to approximately Stanton Road with local connections 
• Noise walls 
• Upgraded lighting and intelligent transport systems (ITS) infrastructure 

The Tonkin Gap Project will also deliver enabling works for the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line, including underpasses and dive structures that will enable trains to enter and travel along the median of Tonkin Highway and exiting in Malaga. 

“The Tonkin Gap Project continues to make great headway on what is a complicated and challenging program. 

“The shared path upgrades are part of a vision to make WA a place where riding is a safe, connected, convenient and a widely accepted form of transport. 

“I am pleased to see the project moving ahead. The Broun Avenue Bridge is a vital link for local motorists and commuters, allowing passengers on and off buses when they rode to the future METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line,” WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

Once completed, the Tonkin Gap will allow commuters to save up to six minutes in travel time during the morning peak and about 11 minutes in the afternoon. 

The Tonkin Gap Project and METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line are jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Main Roads Western Australia; Infrastructure Magazine; Roads & Infrastructure Australia