Preferred contractor selected for construction at Tonkin Highway Extension

6/12/02
Transfield Macmahon Joint Venture has been selected as the preferred proponent to design and construct Stage One of the Tonkin Highway Extension.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said today she was optimistic the contract would be signed in January next year, with work starting on this major infrastructure project around April 2003.
"Negotiations will now commence with Transfield Macmahon Joint Venture to finalise details associated with the contract, including the construction program and management plans," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The project, which is expected to cost up to $140million, will deliver enormous benefits to Armadale and Gosnells.
"It is crucial to the development of the Forrestdale industrial park and employment opportunities for our community."
The contract will see the Tonkin Highway extended from Mills Road West in Martin to Thomas Road in Byford, providing an impetus for future industrial development and urban revitalisation.
"The highway will open up important industrial and residential land necessary to create jobs and growth in the south-east metropolitan corridor as the area becomes more accessible to the Perth central business district," the Minister said.
"The work will be completed in two parts, initially reaching Armadale Road by the end of 2004 and then finalising the extension of the project to Thomas Road by the end of 2006.
"The highway will be constructed as a dual carriageway with two lanes in each direction and will incorporate connections to the major cross roads."
The project also will include other associated works to integrate the new highway into the local network and provide a shared path along the eastern side of the highway to link with the local system and improve facilities for both commuters and recreational users.
"The ultimate extension of Tonkin Highway to Mundijong will provide a bypass route to the west of the local urban areas that will remove much of the regional traffic and concentrate heavy freight vehicles on a purpose-built, high standard road away from residential streets," Ms MacTiernan said.
"This will improve residential amenity and road safety on the existing road network by separating the heavy freight from local passenger vehicles, and reducing the potential conflict caused by mixing these competing traffic needs."
Minister's office: 9213 6400