Walking and riding connectivity milestone for Pilbara city

• Dampier Road project completes primary cycle network loop around Karratha
• The State Government has committed over $2.4 million in grant funding towards active transport infrastructure projects across the City of Karratha
• Locals and visitors now have safer and easier access to schools, parks, shops and tourism attractions

The final piece of the 18km primary cycle network loop around Karratha has reached completion thanks to the recent delivery of the Dampier Road project.

The $1.3 million project was co-funded by the State Government and the City of Karratha and saw a new 1.2km section of shared path constructed along Dampier Road.

Dampier Highway, also known as Dampier Road, is one of the main connecting routes between the Karratha urban area and Dampier.

The road carries high volumes of heavy, fast-moving traffic, with a safe, separated passage for people walking, wheeling and riding identified as a key initiative as part of the Pilbara 2050 Cycling Strategy.

The State Government has invested more than $2.4 million into walking and riding infrastructure to support active travel across the City of Karratha, through its regional WA Bicycle Network Grants Program. This funding has supported several projects along sections of Bayview, Dampier and Millstream roads, to help create the loop.

People living in and visiting Karratha now have a safe, sustainable, and comfortable walking and riding network around their town, connecting them to the local sports ground, swimming pool, mountain biking areas, caravan parks, local schools, North Regional TAFE campus and many other destinations in between.

Since 2017, the State Government has invested or allocated more than $600 million towards expanding the State's active transport network and is committed to making active travel more convenient and accessible throughout Western Australia.

Comments attributed Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"This project is a significant milestone with Dampier Road now fully connected, providing a primary cycle loop for people to walk, wheel and ride around the city.

"We are proud to deliver better active transport options for the residents of Karratha that will enhance access to a wide range of destinations such as education, tourism and recreation sites.

"Active travel connections to the places where people work, study, live and play support access and social interaction and allow people to incorporate more activity into how they get around for everyday journeys and experiences.

"Since 2017, we have invested or allocated more than $600 million to expand and improve active transport infrastructure across the State, making it easier and safer than ever before for people to walk, wheel or ride around our suburbs."

Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:

"Better active travel infrastructure has long been a priority for the Karratha community, so it's fantastic that our Government has been able to fund this critical missing link.

"Karratha now has a complete 18km primary cycling network loop - providing people with more active travel options to get to and from community and recreational facilities."