Tonkin Gap bridging the Gap
The Tonkin Gap Project has taken a major step towards final completion with additional lanes now open between Dunreath Drive and Collier Road.
Published: 22 December 2023, Updated: 22 December 2023
Yesterday morning the Tonkin Gap Project has taken a major step towards final completion with additional lanes now open between Dunreath Drive and Collier Road.
Previously a bottleneck where Tonkin Highway would reduce from three lanes to two, three lanes of traffic are now flowing in each direction, reducing congestion and improving safety for motorists in the area ahead of the busy festive season.
The speed limit remains at 80 km/h and will be reinstated to 100 km/h when open grade asphalt and finishing works are complete between Collier Road and Dunreath Drive.
The new path network also incorporates a heritage trail, comprising a number of plaques providing information on areas of cultural significance on either side of the Derbal Yerrigan.
This includes an interpretation node on the southern side in Belmont, which will form part of the Department of Biodiversity and Attractions River Journeys project, promoting the historical values and connection Traditional Owners have with the area.
Along the trail path users will also see signs explaining the vibrant artwork adorning PSP underpasses at Great Eastern Highway and through the Guildford Road interchange.
Local communities can look forward to the opening of the underbridge activation area in early 2024, a previously barren space under the bridge on the Bayswater side.
The community space includes a mountain bike skills area, a pump track, and a yarning circle as well as a beach access for kayakers.
The Tonkin Gap Project has included widening Tonkin Highway between Collier Road and Dunreath Drive, new interchanges at Great Eastern Highway and Guildford Road, duplicating Mooro-Beeloo Bridge (Redcliffe Bridge), building new bridges over Dunstone Road, Railway Parade, and Guildford Road and delivery of new PSP linking path networks constructed as part of Gateway WA and NorthLink WA projects.
The $290 million project is funded by the Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments, with the Commonwealth committing $232 million and the Western Australian Government $58 million.