Mr Nalder’s comments come as construction of the first of three stages of the NorthLink WA project prepares to begin.
NorthLink WA will provide a non-stop link between Morley and Muchea, slashing travel times for commuters.
Mr Nalder said NorthLink would also improve notorious black spots, with four of the state’s 15 most dangerous intersections on Tonkin Highway.
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READ NOW“It’s all about keeping traffic and industry moving,” Mr Nalder said.
“But also making it safer.”
More than one million vehicles use Tonkin Highway every month, which makes it one of WA’s busiest roads.
The start of construction in May will start at the Tonkin Highway overpass of Guildford Road, and extend to the end of Tonkin Highway at Reid Highway.
A main feature of the upgrade is the widening of Tonkin Highway to six lanes, in order to reduce congestion.
Collier Road, Morley Drive and Benara Road would be altered to allow for seamless traffic flow.
Construction of the second stage later this year would include extending Tonkin Highway from Reid Highway to Ellenbrook.
Interchanges would also be built at Gnangara Road, as well as in central Ellenbrook at The Promenade.
Plans also show an underpass to go under Tonkin Highway at Beechboro Road North and Hepburn Avenue.
Stage three, from Ellenbrook to Muchea, is scheduled to start mid 2017.
It is estimated NorthLink WA will take about 80 per cent of heavy vehicles off Great Northern Highway.