Construction is complete on Western Australia’s largest free-flowing freeway-to-freeway interchange as part of the NorthLink WA.
The interchange has fully opened following completion of the most complex component of the project – the intersection of Tonkin Highway and Reid Highway in Perth’s north-east.
The NorthLink WA links Morley and Muchea and aims to divert 80 per cent of heavy vehicles away from local roads and improving amenity in the Swan Valley for residents and the 600,000 tourists visiting the area each year.
The opening of all remaining ramps on the interchange means motorists can now enjoy a free flowing journey in all directions, saving time and improving safety.
WA Premier, Mark McGowan, said the opening of Western Australia’s biggest high-speed interchange is a real game-changer for the growing city.
“NorthLink WA is creating thousands of jobs for Western Australians and they should all be commended for their outstanding work on what is a very large and complex project,” Mr McGowan said.
“My government has a comprehensive plan to deal with congestion on Perth roads. Our METRONET plans are taking shape, and they are being complemented by important upgrades to our road network.”
Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population, Alan Tudge, said NorthLink WA is a vital, state-of-the-art transport link.
“Road users travelling from Kewdale to Muchea can potentially avoid up to 16 sets of traffic lights, two railway crossings and 21 speed limit changes.”
A new flyover will also replace the temporary roundabout that has been in place at Beechboro Road North, enabling traffic to go over Reid Highway.
Federal Minister for Transport and Planning, Rita Saffioti, said this is yet another boost for north eastern suburbs residents, who have been crying out for better transport links.
“We now have several transport project nearing completion, underway or being planned,” Ms Saffioti said.
“Once complete, NorthLink WA will provide much needed extra road capacity to Perth’s north-east, which is a priority for the growing community of Ellenbrook.”
Motorists travelling north on Tonkin Highway will now be able to travel on the new section of road as far as the Gnangara Road T-junction, about 7.5km north of the Reid-Tonkin interchange.
Once the Gnangara Road intersection is completed in coming weeks, the journey along the new alignment will be able to continue onto Gnangara Road without the interruption of the signalised T-junction.
This means commuters around Ellenbrook will have greatly improved journey times.
The NorthLink WA initiative is jointly-funded by the Federal ($821 million) and State ($204 million) governments. Completion of the northern section to Muchea is expected by the end of 2019.