march 2014

project overview NorthLinkWA

Perth-Darwin National – connecting and the North West What is NorthLink WA and why is it needed?

The $1.12 billion NorthLink WA initiative involves two projects that are designed to boost freight efficiency and productivity between the Perth Metropolitan Area and ’s lucrative north west.

Funded by both the Australian ($756 million) and State ($362 million) Governments, the projects will enhance freight efficiency and productivity in Western Australia by reducing travel time and improving journey time reliability for freight destined for the State’s north. NorthLink WA is the result of extensive planning undertaken to finalise the future Perth-Darwin National Highway (PDNH) between Key Project Elements and Bindoon. NorthLink WA incorporates NorthLink WA comprises: PDNH and other associated  A new 37km high standard link from the transport infrastructure required to complete this important link to intersection of the Reid and Tonkin Highways the State’s north. to Muchea, previously known as the Swan Valley Construction is scheduled to Bypass; and commence in 2016 and finish  Tonkin Grade Separations at , in 2019. and . These two projects are vital components of a wider series of improvements to the , the and the North West Coastal Highway. Objectives and Benefits Growing traffic Background The National Network currently volumes are impacting Over the past 10 years, Main Roads follows the Great Northern Highway has undertaken planning studies alignment, commencing at the on the community – to address the long term needs for intersection of and particularly freight the future Perth-Darwin National Reid Highway, as a two lane road. Highway (PDNH) between Reid The route passes through the Swan movements between Highway and Bindoon in three Valley wine producing area, where: Perth and resource sections: • there is limited opportunity for projects in the north. • Reid Highway to Maralla Road further upgrades to the existing Bullsbrook; highway; and • Maralla Road Bullsbrook to Brand • growing traffic volumes are Highway Muchea; and impacting on the community – Connecting the new route to the • Muchea to particularly freight movements Tonkin Highway will further increase Bindoon. between Perth and resource the importance of the Tonkin The studies have involved projects in the north. Highway as a north-south route, extensive stakeholder consultation The new route not only provides linking industrial areas such as the with surrounding landowners, economic benefits for freight – Airport and Kewdale Precincts to the communities and businesses, Swan Valley residents and tourists north. The proposed Tonkin Grade Local Government Authorities, will also experience a safer and Separations project recognises this, State Government agencies, more pleasant local environment and will complement the new route environmental and other community with most of the heavy vehicle traffic by reducing delays and improving groups. Community Reference being removed from the existing journey reliability on the corridor. Groups and Project Working Groups Great Northern Highway. were established at various times to provide input to the studies. The objectives of NorthLink WA are to: These studies have defined the  Improve freight capacity, efficiency and productivity; reservation requirements for each of  Reduce urban congestion now and into the future; these sections and changes to the relevant planning schemes have now  Improve road safety in line with the State’s ‘Towards been initiated. Zero’ policy; Project development work has  Maximise sustainability through economic, social and commenced on both the new route environmental responsibility; and and Tonkin Grade Separations  Improve amenity for the community, tourists and projects which are now collectively road users. referred to as NorthLink WA. project overview NorthLinkWA NorthLinkWA | project overview

Project Timeframe Construction commences Construction is scheduled to commence in 2016 and finish in 2019. Prior to commencing construction, Main Roads will be 2016 completing all the required project development activities, including land acquisition. Completion estimated for Community Engagement Community engagement is a 2019 critical component of this project. The previous planning studies have identified a range of key stakeholders and communities who will be consulted throughout project development and construction phases. A database of community contacts has been established, and we invite you to add your email or postal address to this database.

Please contact Main Roads’ Community Relations Manager Carolyn Walker on (08) 9450 1445 or via email at [email protected] to add your email or postal address to our database, or if you have any enquiries regarding the project.