Construction now underway on new overtaking lanes on Great Northern Highway

As part of a $50 million package of works, 11 overtaking lanes are now being delivered on the Great Northern Highway between Newman and Port Hedland in Western Australia. 

The overtaking lanes are included under the Australian Government’s newly announced Great Northern Highway corridor that will support the Pilbara’s booming mining industry and foster economic development while also improving road safety for heavy vehicle operators as well as other road users. 

This package of works is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, each committing $40 million and $10 million respectively. 

“The Australian Government is committed to working with the Western Australian Government to ensure everyone on the State’s roads has the safest and smoothest possible journey. 

“These overtaking lanes will reduce delays and improve traffic flow on the Great Northern Highway, delivering a better and more reliable journey for motorists who travel along this key route. 

“This is an exciting next step as we continue to build the infrastructure that communities in Western Australia need and deserve,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

The project will be delivered in two stages with the first stage of works to include three southbound overtaking lanes and two northbound overtaking lanes from Newman to Auski. Meanwhile, the second stage will deliver two southbound overtaking lanes and four northbound overtaking lanes from Auski to Port Hedland. 

Central Earthmoving has been awarded a $23 million contract to undertake the delivery of the first five overtaking lanes. The contract for Stage 2 works is expected to be awarded by the middle of this year. 

“Our Government is focussed on ensuring the movement of freight across our State, particularly in the North West, is as safe and efficient as possible. 

“We have a significant number of heavy vehicles moving on the Great Northern Highway and the installation o9f overtaking lanes in strategic locations will reduce travel times, improve efficiency, and enhance safety by ensuring drivers don’t take unnecessary risks. 

“We remain committed to improving regional road safety and the wider State road network for both heavy vehicle operators and local commuters,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

Project map (source: Main Roads Western Australia)

About 60 per cent of traffic running between Newman and Port Hedland being heavy vehicles, the new overtaking lanes will help enhance the existing freight network to provide increased transport efficiency and improved road safety. 

This project will also provide significant benefits to the local tourism and pastoral industries and access to local Aboriginal communities. 

All 11 overtaking lanes are due to be completed by mid-2025. 

“Residents, drivers and importantly our hard-working truckies in Western Australia’s north will greatly benefit for years to come from this work being funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments. 

“As someone who still drives trucks along this route, I know this work is going to make a great difference for our truckies,” Senator for Western Australia Glenn Sterle said. 

“These new overtaking lanes will make a real difference to the safety of this section of Great Northern Highway, by providing more regular opportunities to pass heavy vehicles. 

“We know how important the mining and resources sector is to our State and the Pilbara region and that means investing in measures that improve both the safety and efficiency of our network for all road users,” State Member for Pilbara Kevin Michel said. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Main Roads Western Australia; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Prime Mover Magazine