Construction commences on WA Great Northern Highway Upgrade Stage 2

The $43.5 million Stage 2 of the Great Northern Highway Upgrade in Western Australia has commenced construction north of Ord River to help improve connectivity, safety and freight movement along this corridor in the Kimberley region. 

“The Great Northern Highway is an important route for the local community and tourists, as well as the mining sector and other export industries that access the Port of Wyndham. 

“Upgrading the Ord River section of Great Northern Highway between Halls Creek and the Victoria Highway turn-off is vital as it is a key part of Western Australia's high-wide-load corridor and provides access to remote communities, surrounding mining and pastoral leases and to the Port of Wyndham,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

The second stage of the upgrade includes realigning approximately 11 kilometres of the Great Northern Highway. 

According to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti, the Western Australian Government is prioritising improving the safety of regional roads for local communities. 

“Phase two of the great Northern Highway upgrades will improve safety for this key network while also providing unique employment and training opportunities. 

“Our Government has a string focus on improving road safety which we are continuing to deliver through the Regional Road Safety Program with the Commonwealth,” Minister Saffioti said. 

Minister Saffioti added that the State Government was focused on Aboriginal employment and training opportunities during Stage 1 of the upgrade and will continue providing these opportunities in the second stage. 

This section of the Great Northern Highway was previously identified – through network assessments conducted in the Kimberley region – as substandard due to its narrow width and excessive edge wear, making the upgrade vital to keep traffic flowing safely and efficiently. 

“The current road condition meant opposing traffic needed to pass with minimal separation, forcing vehicles onto the unsealed road shoulder when passing. 

“The road upgrades will further improve safety and efficiency for road users and continue to provide employment for local people and businesses,” Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price said. 

Currently, there are several road projects already underway across the Kimberley region that supports local jobs. 

“This project has a strong focus on Aboriginal engagement and training, providing a pathway for workers onto other road projects. 

“I'm excited to be a part of the McGowan Government that is prioritising local jobs for local workers ad pleased to see these roads being made safe for the people of East Kimberley as well as visitors,” WA Member for the Kimberley Divina D’Anna said. 

Stage 2 of the Great Northern Highway Upgrade is going to be delivered by WBHO Infrastructure Pty Ltd. 

Construction on this stage is due to be completed in late 2021. 

The Great Northern Highway Upgrade Stage 2 is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, each contributing $34.6 million and $8.9 million respectively. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Main Roads WA