The Federal and Western Australian Governments have announced Macmahon Contractors as the winning bidder for the design and construction of the $220 million Great Northern Highway through Port Hedland.

 

State Minister for Transport Troy Buswell said that the project would deliver significant transport efficiencies and safety enhancements at Port Hedland.

 

“This has been in the planning for several years with the design concept developed by Main Roads WA in close consultation with the local community and stakeholders,” Mr Buswell said.

 

“Traffic volumes on this link have grown by 25 per cent in the last three years, to an average of 15,000 vehicles per day. This is a mixture of 53.5 metre road trains and light vehicles.

 

“This project will improve access to the port areas, improve safety for local commuters between Port Hedland and South Hedland and enable the road network to cope with future growth in both the town and region.”

 

Key features of the GNH Realignment project include:

  • construction of approximately 8 km of single carriageway (one traffic lane in each direction) including cycle lanes/sealed shoulders;
  • modifications to the GNH/Port Hedland Road intersection to a grade separated interchange (including a bridge taking Port Hedland Road traffic over GNH);
  • provision of an at-grade access to Utah Road;
  • provision of access off GNH by constructing intersections to the Wedgefield Industrial Area at the Pinga Street intersection, Area H of the Port area, to Landcorp Transport Development Area adjacent to the GNH, access to the Horizon Power Hedland Terminal, BHP Billiton Rail Maintenance Depot, FMG Rail Facility, and to South Hedland via Hamilton Road;
  • construction of a bridge over the BHP Billiton rail line including allowances for future rail expansion;
  • construction of two low level bridges over South Creek;
  • major drainage works including large culverts in the road embankment to allow for water run-off and tidal flow;
  • relocation or protection of any affected services;
  • street lighting at major intersections;
  • installation of signs and line marking works;
  • public art; and
  • landscaping and revegetation including mangrove relocation and management.