The Western Australian and federal governments have announced that delivery of 11 overtaking lanes on the Great Northern Highway between Newman and Port Headland is underway.
The federal government says the new lanes will help improve road safety for heavy vehicle drivers as well as support the Pilbara region’s booming mining industry.
“The WA government is focussed on ensuring the movement of freight across WA, particularly in the north west, is as safe and efficient as possible,” WA transport minister Rita Saffioti says.
“We have a significant number of heavy vehicles moving on the Great Northern Highway and the installation of overtaking lanes in strategic locations will reduce travel times, improve efficiency, and enhance safety by ensuring drivers don’t take unnecessary risks.”
The works have been jointly funded by the federal and WA governments, with the federal government providing $40 million and WA committing $10 million.
The overtaking lanes will be delivered in two stages, with the first five lanes to be built between Newman and Auski. These works will include three southbound lanes and two northbound lanes.
A second contract to deliver six overtaking lanes on the highway between Auski and Port Headland is expected to be awarded before the middle of the year.
“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,” federal transport and infrastructure minister Catherine King says.
“This is an exciting next step as we continue to build the infrastructure that communities in Western Australia need and deserve.”
The federal government says all 11 overtaking lanes are scheduled to be complete by mid-