The second stage of an inland road between Karratha and the communities of Tom Price and Paraburdoo is open, cutting a further 30 minutes off the trip from Tom Price to Karratha.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan, opened the $150million road on-site, alongside community members from Karratha, Millstream, Roebourne and Tom Price, two months ahead of schedule.
Ms MacTiernan said that access to the Millstream-Chichester National Park and Karijini National Park will now be safer and much quicker, creating a tourism boom for the region and improving the accessibility of Tom Price and Parabadoo for residents.
“This new road will become the main public thoroughfare from Karratha to Millstream and will improve safety, reduce vehicle wear and tear, cut transport costs and improve community access to locations such as Python Pool and Jirndawurrunha Pool at Millstream,” she said.
The Minister said the project took two years to complete, with numerous challenges including shortages of suitable road building materials, construction skills and accommodation.
“Construction of this road was tough, with teams working in sometimes dangerous terrain, having the highest embankments and the deepest cuttings of any other road project in WA,” she said.
“However, the end result is a magnificent road, cut through some of the most dramatic terrain in Australia.”
Stage Two of the Karratha to Tom Price Road is an 88km long sealed, two-lane road that will enable travellers to reach the heart of the Millstream-Chichester National Park from Karratha in one hour, half the time it took previously.
Ms MacTiernan congratulated Main Roads and the Millstream Consortium, being MacMahon, GHD and Coffey.
Minister's office - 9213 6400 
