A major extension of Tonkin Highway is being touted as a transformational project for Perth’s south-east, but the price tag has doubled.

On Sunday, Transport Minister Rita Saffioti and local MP’s turned the first sod to mark the start of construction of the 14km extension.

It won’t be finished until late 2028, but Federal Minister and Member for Burt Matt Keogh vowed it will be worth the wait.

“This has been a project sorely needed and long sought after,” he said.

“The traffic that goes through Byford on the South-West Highway and along Thomas Road now sees not just a huge number of trucks, but a huge number of cars coming out of these growing suburbs.

“There’s some 60,000 vehicle movements a day . . . it’s going to make journeys faster, it’s going to make them safer.”

The project is

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