We have finished sealing the Stage 3 section of Roebourne-Wittenoom Road, recently renamed Manuwarra Red Dog Highway to reduce travel times and improve safety.
Three stages are complete with one final stage remaining.
The fourth and final stage is a 108 kilometre section from the Rio Tinto rail crossing to Nanutarra-Munjina Road on a new alignment following the Rio Tinto rail line through some very rugged terrain.
The project has a strong focus on creating regional employment and opportunities for local businesses, including First Nations companies.
Project development will shortly start for Stage 4, with construction expected to start in late-2022.
We are working with key stakeholders to inform the design process, optimise construction material usage and explore opportunities for participation with First Nations People and mining companies for positive outcomes to all communities and industry along the corridor.
- Stakeholder led innovations
- Environmental Offset Opportunities
- Potential social offsets and win-win outcomes
- Local and First Nations People Opportunities
- Input into Construction Methodology
- Directional Signage (Wayfinding)
- Water sourcing opportunities
- Industry collaboration opportunities
- Material supply
- Defining 'Pilbara Proof'
- Highway Alignment within the preferred corridor
- Roadside Amenities
- Highway Access points from public and private roads
- 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 that the Highway will accommodate RAV10 vehicles
- Community feedback on the naming of the Manuwarra Red Dog Highway
- Environmental surveys in the Hamersley Range
- Targeted First Nations Heritage Surveys focusing on river crossing locations
- Hydrological investigations
- Geotechnical investigations
- Highway alignment optioneering based on initial alignment
- Preparing environmental approval documents
- Development of a framework to maximise First Nations business, workforce and cultural opportunities
Sustainability
We have finalised our Stage 4 sustainability management plan, which sets out our project vision and objectives, as well as the governance structure 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.
Key aspects to focus on to help achieve these outcomes include:
- Legacy and innovation
- Resilience
- Sustainability management and leadership
A number of workshops with different stakeholder groups are scheduled to ensure these outcomes. These include workshops on:
- Environmental Legacy
- Social Legacy, Project
- Resilience
- Safety in Design and
- Resource Efficiency
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 has been undertaken to identify any environmental factors that may be impacted by the Stage 4 road alignment. A vegetation, flora and fauna survey has also been undertaken. Results of these surveys will help determine what can be done to avoid or minimise environmental impacts as part of the WA Environmental Protection Authority and Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment assessment.
Incorporating and managing cultural heritage
Stage 4 is located within Yindjibarndi and Eastern Guruma country, with many areas of great significance to local First Nations People, including Hamersley Range, Fortescue River, Weelumurra Creek and Hamersley Homestead.
We have been working with Yindjibarndi and Wintawari Guruma representative groups to understand cultural and social implications of the project, aiming for a positive and respectful relationship throughout the project lifecycle.
Heritage surveys are being organised to identify cultural and heritage sites to inform the road alignment design to minimise or avoid impacts.
Stage 4 Aboriginal procurement and employment targets are being finalised.- Targets for the Stage 3 Section: Targets set for Aboriginal employment (13 per cent, including 5 per cent locals) and a 15 per cent target with a total contract spend on local Aboriginal Businesses of 5 per cent.
- Improve access to the popular 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 winter
- October 2019: Stage 3 construction started
- September 2020: Stage 3 construction complete
- Late 2021: Stage 4 development work finishes
- Late 2022: Stage 4 construction starts
Project and construction updates
- 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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