Great Northern Highway between Powell and Buttweld streets
Under Construction
In collaboration with BHP, we will construct two new 'road-over-rail' bridges, realign two major intersections and the construct two new roundabouts in the Hedland area.
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What's happening
The first package of work is now complete, including a 34-metre long bridge over BHPs rail line at Buttweld Road and construction of two roundabouts on Powell Road.
Construction on the second package of work has commenced and involves realignment of approximately 4.75 kilometres of Great Northern Highway along with construction of new access roads. A second bridge over the BHP rail line will also be built.
The Australian and Western Australian Governments have joined forces with BHP to deliver safety improvements at three key rail crossings in the Pilbara
The main aim of these three projects is to improve road safety. A combined sum of 6,000 vehicles per day traverse these three rail crossings. Removing these crossing will not only remove the risk but also increase productivity by saving drive time.
Buttweld Road
A 34-metre long bridge has been constructed over BHP's rail line to the south of the existing rail on Buttweld Road. A three-kilometre section of Buttweld Road has also been realigned to improve the geometry and allow the speed zone to remain consistent for the entire length of the road.
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Powell Road
To complement the two new road over rail bridges, we have constructed two large roundabouts on Powell Road, at Hamilton Road and Dalton Road.
The roundabouts have been constructed either side of the BHP rail line, removing through access to the level crossing for general road users. Gates have also been installed for emergency vehicles and High Load traffic access when required.
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Port Hedland Deviation
The second package of work involves construction of a new 28-metre road-over-rail bridge to separate road and rail traffic at Nelson Point main line level crossing on Great Northern Highway, east of the airport.
Approximately 4.75 kilometres of Great Northern Highway will also be realigned (north of Port Hedland International Airport and the Walkabout Village) It will provide a grade separated crossing over the dual rail lines to BHP’s Nelson Point facilities. As part of the works, we will build new service roads on the eastern and western ends of the realignment to provide access to the airport and other existing facilities.
These works are funded by the Australian Government ($50.2 million), State Governments ($12.54 million), and BHP ($13.26 million).
Extensive community consultation has been undertaken on this project by the Town of Port Hedland, BHP and Main Roads. This will continue in the lead up to construction.
The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.
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