Work is about to start on the realignment of Great Northern Highway around the Wedgefield industrial area.

Great Northern Highway RealignmentPort Hedland

Project Update: June 2012

Geotechnical investigations were completed for the Great Northern Highway realignment in late 2011

Following a comprehensive tender process, Main Roads WA has awarded a Design and Construct contract to Machmahon.

Detailed design is already underway and construction is expected to begin later in the year and be completed by mid-2014.

Once finished, this project will significantly improve safety by reducing conflicts between heavy vehicles accessing the port precinct and local traffic commuting between Port and South Hedland.

The designMain Roads has developed the design concept for this project in close consultation with local industry, stakeholders and the community, who have provided valuable input through a Project Reference Group (PRG) and Public Art/Landscaping Focus Group.

The design includes:

Approximately 8km of new road;

A major interchange at the Broome turn-off, enabling uninterrupted flow for local traffic over Great Northern Highway;

New at-grade intersection with Utah Point Road to provide access to the western port area;

New link to South Hedland (Hamilton Road);

New road bridge over the BHP rail line;

New low level bridges at South Creek;

New road embankment across low-lying areas;

Associated drainage, including culverts, to maintain tidal flows;

Access to Wedgefield industrial area via a connection to Pinga Street north;

Access to the port’s proposed area of development to the north of Wedgefield, where BHP reclaimed dredged spoil has been deposited; and

Access to Landcorp’s proposed area of development to the east of Wedgefield.

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The concept design for the Great Northern Highway realignment

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Members of the project team attended the Town of Port Hedland’s recent ‘Gearing Up’ event to discuss the Great Northern Highway realignment with local community, business and industry representatives

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An opportunity for you to participateThe broader community of Port and South Hedland is also being given the opportunity to have input into this project, by putting forward your suggestions for bridge names.

There are four bridges being constructed as part of this project that could be named:

The main bridge at the Broome turn-off;

The South Creek bridge;

The South Creek breakout channel bridge; and

The road bridge over the BHP rail line.

Main Roads is asking you to consider potential names for these bridges and send in your suggestions, along with any supporting information, using the enclosed form.

Your input will be considered by Main Roads, in consultation with the CRG, which will make a recommendation to the State Government’s Geographic Names Committee for final approval.

Community involvementThe communities of Port and South Hedland will continue to play a vital role in this project throughout the construction phase, through the newly-established Construction Reference Group (CRG) which comprises members of our PRG and focus group.

The CRG includes representatives from indigenous, arts, youth, community and environmental groups, along with industry and stakeholders.

It will work closely with Main Roads and Machamon during the contract period to ensure the completed project meets the needs and expectations of the local community and stakeholders.

The CRG will be paying particular attention to aesthetic elements of the project, including public art and landscaping.

Earlier consultation identified the new interchange at the Broome turn-off as a major landmark for public art and landscaping and experts in these fields have worked with Main Roads and the Focus Group to develop a concept that enhances the natural landscape of Port Hedland and pays tribute to the town’s rich history.

Public art and landscaping nodes will also be developed at other key locations including the rest area at the mangrove repropagation site along the new alignment of Great Northern Highway.

FundingThis project is being jointly funded by the Federal and State governments.

More information

Visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au and follow the link to ‘Projects’ or contact Main Roads’ Community Relations Representative Leanne Pitcher on 0408 923 249.