Updated January 2012
Construction of Overtaking Opportunities – Minilya to Barradale
Project Overview
North West Coastal Highway is the main link between regional centres at Geraldton, Carnarvon, Karratha and Port Hedland and provides access to various tourist destinations, mining operations and pastoral communities.
It is also a main freight route with triple road trains operating north of Carnarvon. It has been identified that the narrow seal between Minilya and Barradale is inadequate and unsafe given the anticipated increase in traffic (and the combination of heavy and light vehicle types) associated with proposed industry expansions and new mining developments in the North West.
While widening works along this section are yet to be funded, budget funds have been allocated to construct two northbound and two southbound overtaking opportunities as a short-term solution.
Map of passing lane locations (1 page PDF 104 KB)
How will the project benefit the community?
The project will provide a range of benefits, including;
- Improved Road Use Safety; the widening of the road will provide a safer environment for road users. The wider surface will provide greater separation between vehicles and eliminate the deterioration of the shoulders (a particular concern as many vehicles are towing).
- Enhances Transport Efficiency; transport operators (and motorists) will not be compelled to utilise the unsealed shoulder. This will reduce vehicle wear and damage and decrease fatigue issues for operators and motorists. As a consequence transport and economic efficiency will be improved and the road will operate at an improved Service Level.
- Opportunity for State Development; significant industrial, residential, tourist and mining developments are now underway in Onslow and southern Pilbara. Widening of the road will help encourage further development.
- Road Network Maintenance; the sealing of the shoulders will significantly reduce the requirement for routine and specific shoulder maintenance. Consequently the demand for scarce naturally occurring shouldering materials will be reduced. This has environmental as well as economic benefits.
Further Information
A Project Information Sheet (2 page PDF 167 KB) containing the information from this page, is provided for download.
We welcome any queries from the community. If you would like further information on this project, please contact: