Drivers beware: Tonkin Highway will be closed in both directions from Morley Drive to Collier Road tonight – and all weekend.

The closure will take place to allow for major works, to demolish the Broun Avenue bridge for the Tonkin Highway gap project.

The highway’s due to reopen 4am Monday morning – while Broun Avenue will be closed until April 26.

Main Roads is warning drivers to expect delays, and take Roe and Reid Highways as an alternative.

Tonkin Gap Senior Project Director Rob Arnott told Perth LIVE, it’s an unprecedented move.

“In fact we’ve never done that before, in terms of the Tonkin Highway, shutting it in both directions,” he said.

“And we certainly haven’t done it since we extended the Tonkin all the way up to Muchea.

“So yeah, look, there’s a degree of nervousness about it all.”

Mr Arnott says it’s about a bit of short-term pain – for major long-term gain.

“The Broun Avenue bridge, that was built around 38 years ago… the reason it needs to be brought down is that we’re trying to not only upgrade Tonkin Highway in that section, but also fit the Morley to Ellenbrook railway,” he told Oliver Peterson.

“Plus the new Morley Station will be there, located under what will be the new Broun Avenue bridge.”

Press PLAY to hear the full interview on Perth LIVE