New milestones reached on time-saving Tonkin Gap project

The Tonkin Gap project in Perth continues to motor ahead, with two new milestones being celebrated this month.

Finishing works on the newly constructed Broun Avenue Bridge are being undertaken, with traffic expected to switch onto the new section of the bridge on Wednesday.

The traffic switch will allow works to continue on a new bus interchange, set to serve as a key node that connects people to the new Morley Train Station, which is currently under construction below Broun Avenue Bridge.

At more than 60 metres wide, the new bridge will be one of Perth's widest road and bus interchange bridges, accommodating 12 bus stands.

In addition, there will be further works on the shared path network in the area, as well as upgrades to the Doyle/Broun and Embleton/Broun intersections.

The finishing works on Broun Avenue Bridge come as a newly constructed 300-metre principal shared path located underneath the Redcliffe Bridge is opened.

The new principal shared path will connect pedestrians and cyclists from Bayswater on the northern side, to Ascot on the southern side, and improve safety by eliminating the interface between path users and vehicles.

When complete, the Tonkin Gap project is anticipated to save commuters up to six minutes during morning peak and up to 11 minutes in the afternoon.

The project is also delivering enabling works for the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line which, when operational, will see more transport choices for people living and working in Perth's north-eastern suburbs.

The Tonkin Gap and METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line projects are being jointly funded by both the Australian and State Governments.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

"The progress being made on the Tonkin Gap project demonstrates our Governments' 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."

Quotes attributable to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"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 ride to the future METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line."