Hedland road and rail safety improvements

• 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.