Published on Tuesday, 15 October 2019 at 12:00:00 AM
The State Government have begun works on the next stage of the Karratha– Tom Price Road (Stage 3), which is due for completion by June 2020. In the interim and during the construction stages of these works, an alternative route for the 48km section of the Roebourne – Wittenoom Rd will be provided via the Rio Tinto Rail Maintenance Track, which will be open for use by the Public providing they obtain a Rio Tinto access permit to do so.
Main Roads have advised that the detour track is currently in the final stages of upgrades to ensure a smooth and safe journey for road users during the construction period. At this stage there is no fixed date for the opening however it will be within the coming 2 weeks. Main Roads will provide an update when an opening date of the detour is confirmed.
It should be noted that Main Roads WA took over caretaking of this 48km section of the Roebourne – Wittenoom Rd late last year due to the risks associated with the known asbestos contamination on and adjacent to the road. Due to the complexity of the contamination, the Shire of Ashburton were no longer able to adequately maintain this section of road. In order to comply with safe work practices, the road cannot be easily graded or maintained without a full asbestos management plan, and hence its condition has worsened considerably as a result of the contamination and regulatory issues with works on this road.
Given the extremely poor state of this section of road, the Shire strongly urge travellers to avoid driving this road until the Karratha– Tom Price Road (Stage 3) works have been completed.
The Shire has also lodged a request to Main Roads WA, who have responsibility for the Nanutarra - Munjina Road, for maintenance grading to be conducted particularly along the section near the Western Turner mine-site.
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