The Great Northern Highway bridge replacement project in the Kimberley region of Western Australia is in its post-construction operational phase, following the completion of key dual-lane bridge upgrades that have already begun delivering measurable freight and safety benefits. By 2024 through 2025, the new bridges at Tickalara Creek and Frog Hollow Creek were completed and opened to traffic, with final road alignments and approach works also finished, effectively removing long-standing single-lane problem along this important corridor.
As of 2026, focus is now shifted toward network integration and final upgrades, including the Arthur Creek bridge and broader corridor resilience works. These are also part of the state–federal investment program to modernize the Great Northern Highway.
The upgraded sections are now enabling smoother freight flows, reduced delays, and improved flood resilience. This continues to highlight the key role the highway plays in Australia’s most important north–south logistics corridors. These corridors serve mining, agriculture, and energy supply chains and ports, including the Lumsden Point Project at Port Hedland in Western Australia.
Fact Sheet for Great Northern Highway in Australia – 2026 Update
Location: Kimberley Region, Western Australia
Project Type: Highway bridge replacement and corridor upgrade
Lead Agency: Main Roads Western Australia
Funding: Australian Government, WA Government
Scope:
- Replacement of three single-lane bridges including Tickalara Creek, Frog Hollow Creek, and Arthur Creek
- Construction of new dual-lane bridges
- Associated road widening, realignment, and safety upgrades
- Flood-resilient design with 100-year flood capacity
Project Cost: A$33 million through joint federal–state funding
Key Expected Outcomes:
- Eliminates single-lane crossing constrains
- Improves freight efficiency and travel time reliability
- Enhances road safety with reduced head-on collision risk
- Strengthens climate and flood resilience
Project Timeline
2019–2022: Planning and Funding
- Corridor bottlenecks identified
- Funding secured under national infrastructure programs
2023: Construction Begins
- Works commence on three bridge replacements
- Early works including site clearing, barrier installation, and foundation and earthworks
2024: Major Completion Milestones
- Tickalara Creek and Frog Hollow Creek bridges completed
- Road alignments and approaches finalized
- Sections opened to traffic
2025–2026: Integration and Remaining Works
- Network integration across upgraded corridor
- Arthur Creek bridge works and associated upgrades continue
- Transition to full operational utilization
Know the Project’s Developer, Contractors and Stakeholders
Project Developer
Funding Partners
- Australian Government
- Government of Western Australia
Bridge Construction and Structural Works Contractor
- Delivered by Fortec
Role:
- Post-tensioned concrete bridges
- Guide banks and flood protection
- Approach road earthworks
Geotechnical and Piling Works Contractor
- Delivered by Groundex and Avopiling Foundation Specialists
Covered:
- Installation of 750mm bored piles into rock
- Foundation support for all three bridges
- Delivered in collaboration with Fortec
Survey and Spatial Engineering Contractor
Covered:
- Bridge duplication
- Corridor alignment
- Earthworks and design validation
Community and Indigenous Partnership
Aboriginal businesses and workforce:
- Over 7.5% project spend target
- 10% employment participation target
Local Kimberley suppliers for equipment hire, labor, and logistics services
Great Northern Highway in Australia: Replacement of 3 single-lane bridges with dual-lane bridges begins
Reported June 30, 2023 – On the Great Northern Highway in Australia, a project to replace three single-lane bridges with dual-lane bridges has officially begun. This project will lead to the improvement of road safety, especially in the Kimberley region.
The bridges in question cross Frog Hollow Creek, Tickalara Creek, and Arthur Creek. Alongside enhanced road safety, the project will also provide more efficiency to the freight industry that regularly depends on the highway.
In total, the bridge replacement project cost is about $33 million. A Part of its funding will be from the Federal Government, with a commitment of $26.4 million. On the other hand, the State Government is said to commit $6.6 million.
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Implementation of the Great Northern Highway Bridge Replacement Project in Australia
Initially, minor construction works began on the Tickalara Creek and Frog Hollow Creek bridges. At the moment, a recent camp has been set up at Mabel Downs Station. Alongside the involvement of several businesses and works, Fortec Australia will serve as the development contractor.
For the month of July, site fencing and installation of safety barriers as well as foundation preparation are scheduled. Additionally, road approach earthworks will be undertaken. Meanwhile, bridge works for Arthur Creek will be done during the 2024 dry season, as per an official statement.
While commenting on the project, the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government noted it will serve as a major connection. Especially, between the Kimberley region and the rest of the country.
Catherine King further said that the Great Northern Highway Project represents a critical transport link for tourism, mining, agriculture, and horticulture. Furthermore, it aims to connect Aboriginal communities to a wide array of essential services.
The Western Australian Transport Minister also spoke about the project, in regards to the recent flooding within the region. Rita Saffioti placed emphasis on the significance of quality road infrastructure investment. She added that replacing the bridges would make the highway more resilient to flood conditions.
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