Bypass road to divert heavy haulage traffic on Burrup Peninsula

30/12/98

The State Government is set to construct a six kilometre bypass road to divert heavy haulage traffic, servicing industry on the Burrup Peninsula, away from the town centre of Karratha.

Resources Development Minister Colin Barnett announced today that the $4.8 million Karratha western bypass would link North West Coastal Highway to Dampier Road, west of Karratha.

Mr Barnett said the Department of Resources Development would make the funds available to Main Roads of WA so it could bring construction of the road ahead of schedule by six years.

The bypass should be in construction in 1999-2000 after detailed planning and would be built ahead of resource development projects planned for the Burrup Peninsula.

The projects, including the proposed Dow/Shell Pilbara Petrochemical Project, Gorgon's LNG plant and Woodside's new works associated with capacity expansions, were expected to create significant volumes of heavy traffic, particularly during construction phases.

"Once constructed, heavy transport vehicles destined for the Burrup Peninsula, will no longer have to drive through the town centre of Karratha," Mr Barnett said.

"Apart from the social benefits to the community of separating local and heavy traffic, the by-pass will allow a shorter and less congested route to the Burrup which will lower transport costs for resource projects."

Transport Minister Murray Criddle said that a committee of key stakeholders - including Main Roads WA, the Shire of Roebourne, the Department of Resources Development and the Pilbara Development Commission - would co-ordinate planning and monitor construction.

"The original timetable for the bypass was 2006," Mr Criddle said.

"However, the road will now be built well ahead of this initial schedule and with significant flow-on benefits for businesses in the Karratha region as services and materials will be sourced locally.

"The bypass will be an important addition to infrastructure in the region, improving safety and reducing noise in residential areas."

Mr Barnett said the Department of Resources Development's Karratha office would play a key role in planning and implementation of the new bypass.

Plans can be viewed at the Karratha office of the Department of Resources Development from January 11. The office can be contacted on (08) 9144 4802.

The Department this year established an office in Karratha to service resource development in the Pilbara and will continue to maintain a presence in the region with a permanent manager to start shortly.

From January 11, Mr Brad Williamson will manage the Karratha office. He has extensive experience in community liaison and project management after working with the accountants Ernst & Young, the Kimberley Development Commission, and other Government agencies.

Media contacts: Justine Whittome, Minister Barnett, (08) 9222 9699 Doug Cunningham, Minister Criddle, (08) 9321 7333