Minister releases draft heavy haulage route

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has identified a preferred route for the future heavy haulage route bypassing Dongara, Geraldton and Northampton.

The proposed corridor follows an inland route to the south of Geraldton up towards Northampton following close to North West Coastal Highway.

From Dongara to Geraldton, a new inland corridor is proposed to start near the Brand Highway and Midlands Road intersection to link up with the current Arthur Road alignment to the south of Geraldton.

The northern link and southern options would be linked by proposed new road infrastructure within the already planned Oakajee Narngulu Infrastructure Corridor.

From Geraldton to Northampton, a new road is proposed within a wider corridor near the existing North West Coastal Highway.

Ms Saffioti said the preferred route was defined by a Main Roads alignment selection study.

“This was undertaken to identify a road corridor that could provide a long-term solution for freight, safely accommodate heavy vehicle combinations and remove heavy vehicles from town sites throughout the Mid West,” she said.

The study originally identified three possible routes between Dongara and Geraldton, and a further three between Geraldton and Northampton.

Following extensive community feedback and investigations the preferred single corridor between Dongara, Geraldton and Northampton has been proposed.

Ms Saffioti said Main Roads would now continue discussions with landowners and other key stakeholders, including local governments and the Mid West Development Commission, before seeking endorsement from the Western Australian Planning Commission.

People wishing to seek more information or provide feedback may visit https://www.mysaytransport.wa.gov.au/dongara-geraldton-northampton