The Tonkin Gap Project is part of a suite of improvements planned to transform Tonkin Highway and eliminate the current bottleneck of traffic by increasing the number of lanes and upgrading interchanges.

Two new milestones have been reached this month including the finishing works on the Broun Avenue Bridge and the opening of a shared path underneath the Redcliffe Bridge.

Jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments — $232 million and $58 million, respectively — the Tonkin Gap project will improve safety and efficiency, reduce travel times, and alleviate pressure on the transport network. 

Other work includes the construction of noise walls, and upgrades to lighting and intelligent transport monitoring systems infrastructure. 

The project commenced planning and development in 2019 with early work beginning in October 2020. Drivers who use Tonkin Hwy regularly will be pleased to hear that the improvements are expected to be complete in late 2023.

Broun Avenue Bridge  

The upgrades delivered through the Tonkin Gap Project will transform the Broun Avenue Bridge into one of Perth’s widest road and bus interchanges. 

Now that finishing works are being carried out, traffic will switch to a new section of the bridge to allow work to continue on a new bus interchange. Once constructed, this new interchange will connect people to the new Morley train station which is currently under construction. 

Redcliffe Bridge 

The 300-metre shared path under Redcliffe Bridge — connecting pedestrians and cyclists from Bayswater on the northern side of the Swan River to Ascot on the southern side — is now open.

Further development will continue within the area with revegetation of the park and wetlands, the inclusion of aboriginal artwork, a mountain bike skills zone, and a sandy beach area for canoe and kayak access.

“The progress being made on the Tonkin Gap project demonstrates our Government’s commitment 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,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King commented.  

Once fully completed, the Tonkin Gap project is expected to save commuters up to six minutes in the morning and up to 11 minutes in the afternoon.

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Feature Image: Building for Tomorrow