Welcome to Talkin' Tonkin, where we will record a series of videos during construction to introduce the project team and keep you updated on upcoming traffic changes, construction updates, milestones, plus more.
Meet Declan and Jarryd to hear more about the deconstruction of the existing Broun Avenue bridge and what we have planned for the new bridge.
- Series 1 - Super Stage
- Series 2 - Railway Parade beam install
- Series 3 - Career expo for local students
- Series 4 - Managing our environmental footprint
- Series 5 - Noise walls
- Series 6 - Bridge beams
- Series 7 - Building the road
- Series 8 - Broun Avenue Bridge deconstruction
Stay tuned for more Talkin' Tonkin videos.
Tonkin Highway closure
Victoria Street footbridge is being replaced with a new longer, wider, and higher bridge to allow for additional lanes to be built on Tonkin Highway.
To minimise impacts, the existing bridge will be removed and the new one installed on the same weekend.
To carry out these works, Tonkin Highway will be closed in both directions between Great Eastern Highway and Dunreath Drive from 6pm Saturday 30 July to 4am Monday 1 August.
For more on this and to see what else we have planned, read the latest Construction Update.
Redcliffe Bridge
This month, work continues on the bridge abutments and the road approaches on both ends of Redcliffe Bridge.
The team will start to install traffic barriers and noise walls on the bridge deck from mid-July.
You’re invited – Community Open House event
Come and visit team members from the Tonkin Gap Alliance. You will have the opportunity to see the final concept designs for the project and ask any questions you might have, such as upcoming works in the area.
Tuesday 26 July between 3pm and 7pm (Drop in at any time)
Forster Park Community Centre (Main Hall), 278 Keane Street, Cloverdale
Have your say
Provide your feedback on the communications delivered about the recent Tonkin Highway closure (1 to 4 April), for the Broun Avenue bridge demolition. Traffic surveys indicate the closure was successful with many motorists using our detours, avoiding the Morley area during the closure.
Your responses to this short survey will allow us to get a deeper understanding of what influenced people’s driving choices. Take the survey now.
Vibration and dust during construction
Heavy machinery may generate vibration at various stages of construction. Experiencing vibration does not mean structural damage to your property will occur, however, you may feel it.
We do exercise measures that aim to minimise vibration. Learn more about what causes vibration and how we're managing it in our Vibration Fact Sheet.
Your safety and the safety of our workers are important to us
The speed limit along Tonkin Highway is 80 km/h. This has been changed to provide a safer driving environment with reduced lane widths and to allow construction workers and vehicles entering and exiting the highway safely.
Tonkin Highway southbound exit to Guildford Road
- 1 and 5 July from 8pm to 6am
- Closed
- Detour Map
- Barrier works
Guildford Road between Tonkin Highway intersections
- 6 and 7 July from 9pm to 5am
- 8 July from 9pm to 7am
- Reduced to a single lane in both directions
- Barrier installation
Reid Highway on-ramp to Tonkin Highway northbound
- 6 to 9 July from 6am to 1pm
- Lane closures
- Services works
Broun Avenue between Beechboro Road N to Broun Avenue bridge
- 9 July from 7am to 11am
- Westbound lane closure
- Verge works
Tonkin Highway southbound on-ramp from Guildford Road
- 11 and 12 July from 8pm to 6am
- Closed
- Detour Map
- Barrier works
Tonkin Highway from Great Eastern Highway to Dunreath Drive
- 30 July from 12pm midday to 6pm
- Southbound lane closure
- Victoria Street footbridge works
Tonkin Highway between Great Eastern Highway and Dunreath Drive
- 6pm 30 July to 4am 1 August - 24 hour works
- Closed in both directions
- Detour Map
- Detour Map (Perth Airport and local)
- Victoria Street footbridge works
Long-term impacts
Tonkin Highway between Hepburn Avenue and Dunreath Drive
- Ongoing to late-2022, intermittently
- Intermittent mobile works and lane closures in both directions
- Line marking, water blasting and road sweeping
Great Eastern Highway between Morrison Street and Tonkin Highway
- Ongoing to early-2023 - 24 hour works
- Lane closures in both directions
- U-turn on Great Eastern Highway after Lyall Street temporarily not permitted
- Right turn into businesses and Ascot Apartments closed
- New U-turn available for motorists travelling westbound
- Road works and upgrades to the interchange
Broun Avenue between Embleton Avenue and Beechboro Road North
- Ongoing to late-2022, 6am to 3pm (excluding Sundays)
- Lane closures and speed reductions in both directions
- Visit TransPerth to stay up to date on bus route impacts
- Broun Avenue realignment and bridge works
Tonkin Highway between Collier Road and Reid Highway
- Ongoing to late-2022 - 24 hour works
- Reduced to two through lanes in both directions
Additional dedicated lanes between interchanges and speed reductions - Rail-enabling works for Morley-Ellenbrook Line.
- Learn more about why these changes are needed in the Super Stage Frequently Asked Questions (PDF).
Path impacts
Tonkin Highway and Broun Avenue travelling northbound
- Closed
- Detours via a temporary access off Tonkin Highway, along the top of the skate park/BMX track, over the side oval and then along the car park, back up to Broun Avenue
- Detour map
Great Eastern Highway underpass
- Closed
- Ongoing to late-2022
- The detour was carefully considered to allow for safe access across the highway
- Underpass extension and upgrade works
Tonkin Highway between Great Eastern Highway and Dunstone Road
- Ongoing until project completion
- Closed. Follow signed detours
- October Construction Notification (Word doc)
Click image to enlarge
Tonkin Highway between Collier Road and Guildford Road
- Ongoing to late 2022
- Closed. Follow signed detours to the western side of Tonkin Highway
Tonkin Highway between Parkview Parade and Victoria Street Footbridge
- Ongoing to late-2023
- Closed. Follow signed detours via Morrison Street.
Guildford Road near Tonkin Highway
- Ongoing until project completion
- Closed. Follow signed detours to the northern side of Guildford Road
Guildford Road between the Tonkin Highway ramps
- Ongoing to late-2022
- Closed: Path users diverted onto the road
- Follow signed detours
Click image to enlarge
We are collaborating with local government, Department of Transport and WestCycle as part of the design process.
Environment
This is a very constrained site and there is no way we can build the required infrastructure without clearing vegetation. However, we are committed to minimising the extent of clearing and are exploring opportunities for local and regional environmental offsets. Any clearing will also be undertaken with appropriate State and Federal government approvals.
Project approvals from environmental regulators including the Environmental Protection Authority of WA (EPA), Department of Water and Environment Regulation, Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has been obtained for the project. All relevant works approvals from appropriate agencies including Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attraction, where the Swan River Trust is housed, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation for groundwater and contamination issues and local government authorities for out of hours approvals will be sought.
Flora and Fauna
The assessment included a detailed flora and vegetation assessment, a Black Cockatoo and fauna habitat assessment including inspection of mature trees to record habitat and breeding trees suitable for use by Black Cockatoo species, and a water insect, water and sediment survey of the Swan River. While potential Black Cockatoo nesting trees were identified during surveys, none with suitable hollows were found.
We would prefer not to have any impact on nesting cockatoos. We will be looking for all potential solutions to avoid this. Where we do need to remove such a tree, our Environment Team will inspect the trees prior to check if any cockatoos are nesting and relocate if necessary. We are consulting with community before vegetation within the project area is cleared.
The Tonkin Gap Project was referred to the WA Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) in 2019, and both the EPA and DAWE determined that the potential impacts of the project are not significant and does not require further assessment.
Park and foreshore changes
An area of Selby Park has always been reserved for a Tonkin Highway upgrade under the State Government’s Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS). This will be required to build the new loop ramp from Great Eastern Highway. We are working closely with the City of Belmont to minimise the impact and determine how best to reinstate the park at the conclusion of the works.
We have identified an area under the Redcliffe Bridge, on the City of Bayswater side, that we could enhance. We are already working with the City of Bayswater and other State Government agencies to consider opportunities in this location. Suggestions from stakeholders and the community have included a skate park, fishing platforms and shared path facilities. Further consultation with local government, stakeholders and the community will be undertaken.
Heritage
We aim to avoid, minimise, and reduce our negative impacts to Aboriginal heritage sites wherever practicable, in line with Main Roads’ commitment to recognising Aboriginal Heritage.
For this project, we conducted a heritage survey and two sites of cultural significance were identified within the works area:
- The Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River)
- Two River Gum trees each with a single cultural scar
The Derbarl Yerrigan is said to have been created by the Wagyl, a spiritual being often described as a serpent or snake, who still resides in the river systems. It represents cultural continuity and is incorporated in many language groups oral histories.
Scar Trees are the result of removing parts of the tree to make objects and artefacts, representing the traditional knowledge of the Whadjuk people. This provides an indication to the ancestral occupation and use of the area’s resources.
The input and contribution of Traditional Owners are valued, and we are seeking advice and opinions from Whadjuk Traditional Owners on this project.
For example, when disturbing any ground near, or in, the Derbarl Yerrigan we have employed Whadjuk Heritage Monitors. Their role on the project is to observe ground disturbance as it is occurring to prevent possible harm to Aboriginal heritage.
We will also be incorporating Aboriginal urban design within areas of the project, including under the Redcliffe Bridge, Great Eastern Highway and Guildford Road underpasses.
Have your say
As a key focus area for the project, we are asking our community to share their thoughts, ideas and suggestions as to how we can better embed sustainability into the project by completing our sustainability survey (PDF). Once completed, please email to enquiries@mainroads.wa.gov.au with the subject line ‘Tonkin Gap Sustainability’.
What is Infrastructure Sustainability?
Infrastructure sustainability is infrastructure that is designed, constructed and operated to optimise environmental, social and economic outcomes of the long term.
To support our commitment to driving positive sustainable outcomes, we are applying the Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) V2.0 Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating framework for the design and construction phases of this project to assess the project.
This is an industry-benchmarking tool that has been developed in consultation with the industry to embed sustainable practices in every aspect of infrastructure design, construction and operation. The process is evidence based and we will provide the full assessment to ISC at the end of each phase to be independent verified by a third party. Following this, the project will be awarded with a certification and rating which can be assessed against other major infrastructure projects across Australia.
Our Sustainability Commitment
Sustainability is a key focus for the project that we have considered during the design and construction phase of the project. We have developed a Tonkin Gap Project & Associated Works Sustainability Policy (PDF) to reflect our commitment to addressing sustainability issues including growth and economic benefit, efficient resource use, sustainable procurement, and community and stakeholder influence.
Project Objectives and Targets
We have used the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to guide the consideration of key focus areas of sustainability for the project. An internal multi-disciplinary team has developed Sustainability Focus Areas (PDF) from key sustainability issues on the project. These focus areas help guide the identification of key risks and opportunities for the project.
From these objectives we have also identified sustainability targets (Word document) to ensure sustainability is front of mind during design, construction and operation. We will be monitoring our achievement as the project progresses.
Sustainable Development Goals
We measure and track our sustainability performance against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The SDG are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.
This information sheet (PDF) summarises what you need to know about how the project aligns with the global sustainability agenda. The goals are also linked to our project sustainability objectives (PDF).
Noise and screen walls
A noise wall is a structure built between the road and a residential property. It improves amenity for surrounding residents by reflecting sound waves from the road, forcing sound to travel over and around the edges of the walls, thereby reducing the amount of noise that reaches nearby homes.
Screen walls protect residents’ privacy from passing traffic at the rear of their property only. We will consider screen walls in cases where the construction has reduced the existing level of privacy.
As part of this project, we expect to build noise or screen walls adjacent to most residential areas. The design and location of these will be finalised as part of the detailed design process. We have done noise modelling across the project area and noise mitigation would apply for areas that will be impacted by noise. We will ensure our noise mitigation meets the State Planning Policy 5.4 guidelines for acceptable noise levels.
If we need to construct noise or screen walls on property boundaries, the contractor will engage with individual property owners.
Property Condition Surveys
If your property falls within the area that meets the criteria for a survey, you will receive a letter in the mail. If you believe your property has been damaged and you are not eligible for a property survey, please contact our team.Dust and Vibration
Road trains will continue to use Tonkin Highway. There are no current plans to revise the RAV access network arrangements.
Tonkin Highway will be transformed to deliver a high standard, north-south transport link from Muchea to Mundijong.
The Tonkin Gap Project will address the current bottleneck where the highway reduces from three lanes to two lanes in Bayswater and Redcliffe, significantly reducing travel times and improving safety. We will also be making improvements to access and connectivity for road users, pedestrians and cyclists in the project area.
The Associated Works will provide rail-enabling works for the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line along Tonkin Highway, including underpasses and dive structures, to enable trains to enter and travel along the median of Tonkin Highway then exit in Malaga. Road and bus bridges will be built at Broun Avenue to provide access to the future Morley Station.
The upgrades are expected to save road users up to 6 minutes of travel time during morning peak and up to 11 minutes of travel time during afternoon peak.
The preliminary concept 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
Project and construction updates
- Construction Update - July 2022 - PDF (559 KB)
- Construction Update - June 2022 - Word document (1.82 MB)
- Construction Update - May 2022 - Word document (2.65 MB)
- Construction Update - April 2022 - PDF (768 KB) | Word document (4.26 MB)
- Construction Update - March 2022 - PDF (802 KB)
- Construction Update - February 2022 - Word document (2.52 MB)
- Construction Update - January 2022 - Word document (2.58 MB)
- Construction Update - November 2021 - PDF (535 KB)
- Construction Update - October 2021 - Word document (1.1 MB)
- Project Update - September 2021 - PDF (3.29 MB)
- Construction Update - September 2021 - PDF (606 KB)
- Construction Update - August 2021 - PDF (933 KB)
- Construction Update - July 2021 - PDF (912 KB)
- Construction Update - June 2021 - PDF (1.37 MB)
- Construction Update - May 2021 - PDF (617 KB)
- Construction Update - April 2021 - PDF (806 KB)
- Construction Update - March 2021 - Word document (2.05 MB)
- Construction Update - February 2021 - Word document (2.32 MB)
- Construction Update - January 2021 - PDF (804 KB)
- Construction Update - December 2020 - Word document (6.65 MB)
- Construction Update - November 2020 - Word document (6.43 MB)
- Project Update - July 2020 - PDF (2.8 MB)
- Project Update - October 2019 - PDF (3.9 MB)
Project information
- Survey Results - Redcliffe Bridge Community Space - PDF (145 KB)
- Fact Sheet - Vibration - PDF (696 KB)
- Fact Sheet - Redcliffe Bridge Construction - Word document (2.69 MB)
- Fact Sheet - Noise and Screen Walls - PDF (707 KB)
- Frequently Asked Questions - Noise Wall - Word document (6.88 MB)
- Frequently Asked Questions - Super Stage - Word document (7.2 MB)
- Frequently Asked Questions - PDF (2 MB)
Media Statements
- Broun Avenue bridge demolished to make way for Morley Station - 5 April 2022
- Locally made beams installed on first new bridge over Railway Parade - 13 October 2021
- Work well underway on new Redcliffe Bridge - 31 August 2021
- Job-creating congestion-busting road and rail project underway - 2 November 2020
- Tonkin Gap contract fast tracked unlocking thousands of jobs - 21 June 2020
- Preferred proponent announced to build congestion busting Tonkin Gap project - 12 May 2020
- Roads budget delivers congestion busting solution and WA jobs - 9 May 2019
Funding
Jointly funded by the Australian ($232 million) and Western Australian Government ($58 million).
pressure
travel times
safety & connectivity