The Australian and Western Australian (WA) Governments have shortlisted four companies for the Tonkin Highway upgrade in Perth, part of the A$1.12bn NorthLink WA project.

Work is expected to start in early 2016 and will include construction of new interchanges at the intersections of Collier Road and Morley Drive, a flyover at Benara Road and an upgraded section of the Tonkin Highway, north of Guildford Road.

Assistant minister for infrastructure Jamie Briggs said: "The Tonkin Highway provides a vital link for regional traffic movements to commercial and industrial areas such as Malaga, Kewdale, Perth Airport and the Perth CBD.

"This game-changing project is part of the Australian Government’s biggest ever road investment programme in our nation’s history."

"The other component of NorthLink WA, the Swan Valley Bypass, will extend this route to connect with the Brand Highway and Great Northern Highway at Muchea, providing a major route to the north-west.

"This game-changing project is part of the Australian Government’s biggest ever road investment programme in our nation’s history to support thousands of new jobs and reduce congestion on major freight corridors throughout Western Australia."

The shortlisted bidders for this project include Leighton Contractors, Georgiou Group and York Civil Pty as Georgiou York joint venture, John Holland and McConnell Dowell Constructors.

Detailed proposals will currently be sought from proponents and successful contractor will be announced before the end of the year.

WA transport minister Dean Nalder said today’s announcement was the latest in a series of NorthLink WA project milestones achieved since early 2014.

"We have been refining the project concept and technical studies to get this project to this stage, with a high level of involvement from stakeholders and community members," he said.

"By delivering infrastructure in the current competitive marketplace, we can provide better roads for motorists and greater value for taxpayer’s dollars."

In the NorthLink WA project, the Australian Government has committed more than A$894m and the WA Government more than A$223m.