We are working on developing the alignment of the final 110 kilometre link from the Rio Tinto rail crossing to Nanutarra-Munjina Road.
We continue to work with key stakeholders to inform the design process, optimise construction material usage and explore opportunities for participation with Traditional Owners and mining companies. We aim for positive outcomes for communities and industry along the corridor.
A number of key activities are underway to support the project, including:
- Stakeholder engagement - see Community below for more on what's been done so far
- Environmental surveys and approvals - see Environment below
- Traditional Owner Heritage Surveys focusing on river crossing locations
- Highway alignment definition
- Development of a framework to maximise Traditional Owners business, workforce and cultural opportunities
- Working towards sustainable outcomes during the planning phase - see Sustainability below for more
Our Sustainability Management Plan sets the vision and objectives for the project. It also guides us with the governance and processes to manage and deliver on sustainability during planning.
Key outcomes of this phase will include maximising environmental, social and cultural opportunities, sustainable use of recycled materials and existing infrastructure, optimising land use and providing a resilient 'Pilbara Proof' asset. To achieve these outcomes, we continue to work with stakeholders with a focus on:
- Environmental Legacy
- Social Legacy
- Resilience
- Safety in Design and
- Resource Efficiency
We have set targets to support key decision-making. Read more about these targets in our Fact Sheet.
We continue to gather feedback from stakeholders on a number of areas to inform design:
- Stakeholder led innovations
- Environmental offsets
- Mitigation of environmental impacts
- Potential social offsets and win-win outcomes
- Opportunities for local people/businesses and Traditional Owners
- Input into construction delivery
- Directional signage and branding
- Water sources
- Industry collaboration
- Material supply
- Defining 'Pilbara Proof'
- Alignment definition
- Roadside amenities
- Highway access points off and over roads
- Avoidance of Traditional Owner heritage sites
Feedback from stakeholders has already influenced a number of key project decisions including:
- Agreement on the highway Interface with the FMG rail bridge (Eliwana Arch)
- Wintawari Guruma representatives input into the corridor selected near Hamersley Homestead
- Safety and technical recommendations for the highway to remain on the western side of the existing rail line
- Freight industry preference to accommodate RAV10 vehicles
- Community feedback on the naming of the Manuwarra Red Dog Highway
We are committed to engaging with stakeholders to ensure their input is considered during the design, whilst providing value-for-money outcomes.
We will engage with the wider communities of Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Roebourne and Karratha to ensure the project leaves a positive legacy to the Pilbara. Timely communications and ongoing liaison will continue throughout the life of the project.
Minimising the environmental footprint
A Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment to identify any environmental factors that may impact the alignment is complete.
As part of the WA Environmental Protection Authority and Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment assessment, we have completed vegetation, flora and fauna surveys. These help to determine what we can do to avoid or minimise environmental impacts.
Incorporating and managing cultural heritage
The final link is located within Yindjibarndi and Eastern Guruma country, with many areas of great significance to local Traditional Owners, including Hamersley Range, Fortescue River, Weelumurra Creek and Hamersley Homestead.
Working with Yindjibarndi and Wintawari Guruma representative groups, we are aiming for a positive and respectful relationship, by understanding cultural and social implications of the project.
Heritage surveys are being organised to identify cultural and heritage sites to inform the road alignment design to avoid or minimise impacts.
- Improve access to Millstream Chichester National Park and Karijini National Park, helping boost tourist traffic in the heart of the Pilbara
- Travel time saving of over two and a half hours compared to the alternative sealed route
- Improved connectivity between Karratha, Roebourne, Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Newman
- Improved safety
- Better access to hospitals and medical services, local businesses, shopping and service centres
- Reduced maintenance and travel costs
- Improved regional tourism opportunities
- More reliable journeys by reducing road closures, particularly during wet season
- December 2003: Stage 1 completed
- July 2008: Stage 2 completed
- October 2019: Stage 3 construction started
- September 2020: Stage 3 construction completed
- Mid-2021: Stage 4 development work finishes
- Early 2022: Stage 4 construction starts
Project and construction updates
- Fact Sheet - Sustainability Targets - Word document (481 KB)
- Project Update - September 2020 - PDF (736 KB)
- Stage 3 Project Update - April 2020- PDF (832 KB)
- Stage 3 Project Update - November 2019 - PDF (695 KB)
Funding
The State and Federal Government have committed a total of $310 million to enable the completion of the final two stages.
Media Statements
Third stage of upgrades to Manuwarra Red Dog Highway now complete - 2 September 2020
Karratha-Tom Price Road officially named Manuwarra Red Dog Highway - 2 September 2020
Videos
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