• Critical upgrades delivered removing three rail level crossings
• Government works with BHP to deliver improvements in road safety and transport efficiency for Hedland community

Some 6,000 vehicles per day in the state's north now experience a safer, faster journey. Major upgrades in the Hedland area were officially opened by Premier Roger Cook and Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti in April 2024.

The two-stage Hedland Road and Rail Safety Improvement Project provided critical upgrades to the road network. The project was a joint initiative between the Commonwealth Government, Western Australian Government and BHP.

Stage 1 was construction of a 34-metre road-over-rail bridge across BHP's rail line at Buttweld Road. It included realignment of a 3-kilometre section of road to improve the geometry and removal of one level crossing to improve road safety and efficiency.

At Powell Road, two large roundabouts were constructed on either side of the BHP level crossing, one at the Hamilton Road intersection and another at the Dalton Road intersection. The roundabouts remove through-access to the level crossing for general road users. In addition, new gates are installed providing access for emergency vehicles and highload traffic when required.

Stage 2 of the project included realignment of 4.75 kilometres of Great Northern Highway adjacent to Port Hedland International Airport, along with construction of two new service roads on the eastern and western ends of the highway. The service roads provide access to the airport and other neighbouring facilities and facilitate future development.

A 32-metre road-over-rail bridge was constructed on Great Northern Highway, separating road and rail traffic at the Nelson Point main line level crossing, located to the east of Port Hedland International Airport.

These major upgrades removed three road and rail conflicts, significantly improving road safety and transport efficiency for the Hedland community.

Stage 1, $32 million, was fully funded by BHP. The second stage was funded by the Australian Government and Western Australian Government contributing, respectively, $56 million and $14 million, and BHP contributing $13 million - totalling $83 million.

• Advice from Whadjuk Noongar Traditional Owners resulted in the creation of new riverside interpretive nodes
• Artwork by local Noongar artists features in key underpasses
• Redcliffe Bridge renamed to Mooro-Beeloo Bridge.

Whadjuk Noongar Traditional Owners were part of Tonkin Gap Project's Whadjuk Working Group and provided important advice and direction on many different aspects of the project.

Prior to construction, Traditional Owners identified significant cultural heritage sites including important scar trees and the relationship of the area with the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River).

This input was an integral part of the project and resulted in a riverside interpretation node, with signage acknowledging the sites and a bench for passersby and visitors to use and reflect on past usage and significance of the area. This is part of a River Journeys project, within Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, focused on developing interpretive nodes.

The group also recommended and supported the new name for the Redcliffe Bridge, now known as the Mooro-Beeloo Bridge. The new name acknowledges the two Noongar groups who lived on either side of the Derbarl Yerrigan. The northern side of the river, in Bayswater, is Mooro Country while the southern side, in Belmont, is Beeloo Country.

Artwork by local Noongar artists is featured in key pedestrian underpasses built during the project. Great Eastern Highway underpass is brought to life by Korrine Bennell-Yarran and Dellas Bennell, from Karrak Designs, with colourful artwork representing the six Noongar seasons. Bold colours highlight the uniqueness of each season, while the linework represents the Bidi (pathways) people travelled and animals in the area.

Further north, artwork at two Guildford Road underpasses are by artists Peter Farmer Junior and Kayley Emery.

Artwork on the southern underpass focuses on longneck turtles (Boyi) while artwork on the northern underpass focuses on the black swan (Maali), which represents strength of family and community in Noongar culture.

Peter Farmer Junior shares the Noongar belief that Boyi in a section of a river indicates it is healthy, filled with life and a strong spirit.

Main Roads Principal Project Director Rob Arnott said “Recognition, respect and inclusion of all cultures was an important focus for the Tonkin Gap Project team.” He said, “the Working Group was generous in sharing their personal and family stories and ties that now can be enjoyed through a heritage trail along the new and upgraded principal shared path of the project.”