The third stage of upgrades to Manuwarra Red Dog Highway is now complete, making travel throughout the Pilbara region safer and more efficient.
Construction and sealing of this 48km section of road is set to reduce travel times, improve road safety and reduce the number of times the road is closed due to flooding in the wet season.
The contract was awarded to MACA Civil with major site works commencing in October 2019.
The project provided over 100 direct and indirect jobs during construction and included many opportunities for local businesses.
As of July 2020, almost six per cent of all contract expenditure went to Aboriginal businesses and seven per cent of the workforce were Aboriginal people.
Now complete the new road will improve access to the popular Millstream Chichester National Park and Karijini National Park, helping boost tourist traffic in the heart of the Pilbara.
Transport benefits for the mining industry, in terms of productivity will also be realised.
Previously known as Karratha-Tom Price Road the stretch of road has been renamed Manuwarra Red Dog Highway.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this was another great example of the Australian Government's commitment to delivering much-needed road safety improvements.
"Our focus is on getting people back into the workforce quickly, which is why we have allocated $1.5 billion nationwide to prioritise shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works that can provide a boost to the economy and support jobs immediately," Mr McCormack said.
"Continuing to upgrade Manuwarra Red Dog Highway will make a huge difference for locals and tourists alike as it will ensure travel across the Pilbara is safer, while making transport more efficient and productive for the mining industry.
"We are continuing to roll-out this type of major project nationwide under our $100 billion infrastructure investment pipeline, which is supporting jobs and communities at a time when it's needed most."
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan said upgrading the Manuwarra Red Dog Highway was one of his Government's key election commitments.
"This project has created 100 local jobs and provided opportunities for local businesses with a particular focus on Aboriginal employment," Mr McGowan said.
"We're encouraging Western Australians to 'Wander out Yonder' and explore our incredible State - now that this project is complete, it will make it safer and easier for locals and tourists travelling to our beautiful Pilbara region.
"This project along with all our other major transport infrastructure projects is about creating a pipeline of work, boosting the local economy as we improve and create lasting infrastructure across WA for generations to come."
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said this was just one of the major infrastructure projects underway across Western Australia particularly in the regions.
"Now that Stage 3 of this important road is completed we can turn our attention to Stage 4 which is currently in development phase," Ms Saffioti said.
"We're committed to delivering for regional WA with more than $100 million being spent monthly on major regional infrastructure projects."
State Member for the Pilbara Kevin Michel MLA said he was pleased to see one of his key election commitments delivered.
"It has been a pleasure to work with Main Roads, the Shire of Karratha and Shire of Ashburton on this project," Mr Michel said.
"It is pleasing to see another Pilbara project completed, providing a number of opportunities for both local communities and the resource sector.
"Now that Stage 3 is complete, visitors to the region will have improved access to the popular Millstream Chichester National Park, which sees high volumes of tourist traffic during peak season."
The contract was awarded to MACA Civil, with major site works starting in October 2019.
The project supported over 100 direct and indirect jobs during construction and included many opportunities for local businesses.
The $81.5 million project was jointly-funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments.
The $310 million new Manuwarra Red Dog Highway Corridor upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments. The Australian Government has committed $248 million with the WA Government committing $62 million.
